Book excerpt: This book Essentials of Midwifery and ostetrical nursing is based on course and curricula of nursing students. It provides nursing students with the knowledge and skill they need to become competent, think critically and possess the sensitivity to become caring nurses. In this changing world on health care delivery system, there is a need to develop professional competencies in nurses and midwives. In view of these changes this title is organized into 14 chapters. Ideally the text is flowed sequentially, but every effort has been made to respect the differing needs of diverse curricula and students. Thus each chapter stands on its own merit and may be read independently of others. Every attempt has been made to maintain simplicity and lucidity of language and style, so that student can grasp the subjects very clear and completely.