Book excerpt: Here, a stellar international group of contributors examines the various aspects of metabolism in the human adult during pregnancy, in the foetus, and in the new-born. This second edition has been completely updated and now has more than 17 new chapters. Divided into five sections, the book contains discussions of methodologies using molecular biology techniques, expanded coverage of central nervous system metabolism, and an entirely new section on organ-specific metabolism organised according to each organ-system. A must for every physician who cares for the pregnant patient and her child.