The branch of medicine dealing with pregnancy and labour; it is concerned with the health of the woman and fetus, from early in pregnancy through to a successful labour and delivery. Pregnancy and childbirth are, of course, normal events which, for most women, take place without complications under the supervision of a MIDWIFE. Nevertheless, if something does go wrong, skilled medical care should be immediately available to help mother and baby. Obstetricians must be skilled in operative delivery – that is, use of the VACUUM EXTRACTOR (ventouse), obstetric forceps and CAESAREAN SECTION. Routine monitoring of pregnancies by midwives and, where necessary, general practitioners or obstetricians is well recognised as a significant contribution to a successful pregnancy and delivery. Such monitoring has been greatly facilitated by advances in ULTRASOUND, AMNIOSCOPY, and amnio- and cordocentesis (see PRENATAL SCREENING OR DIAGNOSIS). Numerous problems may occur at all stages, and early detection, followed rapidly by sensitive and appropriate treatment, is vital. (See also PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.)