Book excerpt: Perinatal Epidemiology synthesizes perinatal knowledge through the lens of public health practice. This comprehensive text uses a consistent, logical format to offer readers: (1) A spectrum of topics affecting maternal and infant health: reproductive health concerns, maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, and gestation and fetal growth. (2) Information on timely issues, including infertility, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, postpartum depression, and SIDS. (3) Detailed discussions of current epidemiological trends, measures and measurement issues, data sources, and risk and protective factors for each condition covered. (4) In-depth consideration of public health interventions and their availability, strengths and limitations. (5) Emerging areas of interest and directions for research. (6) Text boxes, definitions of key terms, discussion questions, appendices, and other helpful features. Perinatal Epidemiology is a valuable, ready resource for public health professionals in maternal and child care, reproduction and fertility. Its accessibility and easy-use format make it an equally strong textbook for courses in these fields as well as for advanced medical and nursing students in OB/GYN and pediatrics.