Foreword: Ambulatory obstetric care

摘要

Most people see the moment of the birth and first cry of the infant as the symbol of successful delivery. As a symbol, that is true. However, helping the mother safely and gently through labor is much more difficult and probably more important to the birth process. In a similar manner, successful labor and delivery symbolizes good obstetrics. However, it is outpatient, ambulatory obstetric care, which is immensely more complex and involved than those few hours in labor and delivery. It has been estimated that for every hour in labor, the physician will spend 4 to 6 more hours in the outpatient setting. Ambulatory care lays the foundation for successful intrapartum care.