At the turn of the century it is appropriate to take stock of this relatively young but rapidly developing subject. For the first time, this book brings together information on the status of obstetric regional analgesia in many parts of the globe, and on the intriguing variability of maternal attitudes towards it. Advances in the field over the last decade in new applications, new drugs and techniques and new research tools are also reviewed. Controversial topics such as the effects of regional analgesia on the progress of and outcome of labour, the indications, contraindications and complications, and the place of regional anaesthesia for operative delivery are discussed by numerous experts in the field. The problem of consent and medicolegal aspects are also addressed. Regional Analgesia in Obstetrics should be read by all those involved in the medical care of women in childbirth. Professor Felicity Reynolds is Emeritus Professor of Obstetric Anaesthesia, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.