Hormones and Pregnancy: Basic Science and Clinical Implications

The endocrine and neuroendocrine system in pregnancy involves highly complex maternal, fetal and placental mechanisms, which are critical for the maintenance of pregnancy, the timing of parturition, for fetal growth and protection from adverse fetal programming. This timely book summarizes the different endocrine aspects related to pregnant women, describing how hormones regulate physiological homeostasis and influence the pathogenesis of disease. The first section of the book covers the role of specific hormones in detail, including oxytocin, hCG and estrogen. The second section discusses gestational disorders such as diabetes, hypertensive disorders and preeclampsia and how the involvement of hormones has clinical implications for management. Best practice for management of endocrine disorders, which can negatively impact pregnancy, such as thyroid disease and obesity, is also reviewed. This book is essential for clinicians and scientists looking to gain knowledge of the role of hormones in pregnancy and how they can best support patients.

Felice Petraglia is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florence and Chief of the Maternal – Infancy Department, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy. He is Fellow-ad Eundem of the RCOG. Dr Petraglia is also Editor Emeritus of Human Reproduction Update, Editor of RBMO and Associate Editor of Reproductive Sciences. He is Past President of the Society of Gynecologic Investigation (SGI) and of the Society of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders (SEUD).

Mariarosaria Di Tommaso is Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florence, Florence, Italy. She is a Member and Italian ambassador of the Society Maternal Fetal Medicine and an Executive Member of the Italian Society Perinatal Medicine.