In this textbook the life course approach to women's health is applied to the clinical practice of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Life is considered a continuum ‘from the cradle to the grave’, where each life stage affects the individual's health and wellbeing and that of future generations. This approach in obstetric and gynaecological patient care provides a path towards healthy ageing, with specific attention for lifestyle, prevention and social context. By managing not only disease, but also the health of the population, women's healthcare providers will deliver future care in a much more multidisciplinary fashion.

In this second edition of Textbook of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: A life course approach all texts have been updated and new chapters have been added on transgender care, multiple pregnancy, clinical placenta disorders, endometriosis and obstetric emergencies by an outstanding team of authors. The illustrative material has also been expanded including new introductory infographics to each life stage part of the book and new 3D video animations in the e-book version.
The textbook should serve as a reference not only for medical and midwifery students but also for gynaecologists in training and other clinicians who have the privilege of caring for women and their families, from the earliest moments in life onwards.