Book excerpt: The new, 2nd Edition of this convenient handbook provides practical guidance in interpreting electronic fetal heart rate patterns. Completely rewritten with a greater emphasis on the practical management of patients, it enables readers to minimize damagecaused by fetal asphyxia, and to manage pregnancies with limited obstetric intervention. Review of First Edition: "The ease with which one can read the handbook is a tribute to the author's organization and conciseness. This work is recommended reading for all perinatal health care providers." --Perinatology and Neonatology Addresses indications for use of fetal heart rate monitors. Provides step-by-step explanations of how to interpret fetal heart rate tracings - for both normal and abnormal tracings - and allows for proper identification of disorders from the monitor's tracings. Includes coverage of antipartum and labor management. Features comprehensive sections on basic science aspects of fetal and placental physiology, and acid-base state. Offers recommendations for management based on current knowledge in the field.