Book excerpt: Now in its thoroughly revised, updated Seventh Edition, this Spiral® Manual provides practical, easily accessible information on management of the pregnant patient. Major sections cover obstetric care, obstetric complications, maternal complications, fetal assessment, fetal complications, and neonatal care. This edition's chapters have a new consistent outline structure, more tables, and more figures. Coverage includes a new chapter on obstetric anesthesia and new information on drugs for cardiovascular, neurologic, and endocrine conditions, including oral agents for gestational diabetes. The chapter on genetic counseling has been completely rewritten. This edition also addresses controversies regarding surgical births and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).