Foetal and Neonatal Physiology: A Comparative Study of the Changes at Birth

Data on the physiology of the fetus and the neonate have been accumulating rapidly in the past decade. The knowledge accrued is heterogeneous, reflecting the results obtained from many species of animals and a variety of laboratory techniques. This information explosion has been staggering to the obstetrician, neonatologist, physiologist, pediatrician, and physician wishing to assess the current knowledge in a specific area. For many years, Dr. Geoffrey S. Dawes has, through original research, contributed richly to knowledge of the perinatal period. Now in his text,Foetal and Neonatal Physiology, Dr. Dawes catalogues in 247 pages the information sifted from a legion of contributions. Considered methodically and in separate chapters are the many facets of intra- and extra-uterine physiology—from the functions of the placenta to the adaptation of the newborn to his environment. The author succeeded well in his goal "to cover the main features of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems,