A comprehensive, cutting-edge review of the complex interactions between maternal and fetal-placental tissues that control the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, the proper development of the fetus, the birth process, and the behavioral aspects of bonding between mother and newborn. Expert researchers review the endocrine and physiological events that culminate in the delivery of offspring, and provide a solid base of comparative information on the menstrual cycle of primates, including humans. They also discuss the sources and functions of both steroid and protein hormones from the placenta and the details of their effects on uterine function, placental development, fetal growth and well-being, and maternal responses to pregnancy. This book will become the standard reference source not only for reproductive scientists, but also for those clinicians who want better to understand the complex factors that affect pregnancy-and their pregnant patients.

Inhalt
1 Endocrinology of the Transition from Recurring Estrous Cycles to Establishment of Pregnancy in Subprimate Mammals.- 2 Endocrinology of the Transition from Menstrual Cyclicity to Establishment of Pregnancy in Primates.- 3 Role of Cytokines in the Pregnant Uterus of Interstitial Implanting Species.- 4 Role of Growth Factors of Uterine and Fetal-Placental Origin During Pregnancy.- 5 Novel Concepts in Neuroendocrine Regulation of Reproductive Tract Functions.- 6 The Rodent Placental Prolactin Family and Pregnancy.- 7 Expression of Steroid Hormone Receptors in the Pregnant Uterus.- 8 Endocrine Control of Trophoblast-Uterine Epithelial Cell Interactions.- 9 The Influences of Immune Cells on the Success of Pregnancy.- 10 Secretion and Metabolism of Steroids in Subprimate Mammals During Pregnancy.- 11 Secretion and Metabolism of Steroids in Primate Mammals During Pregnancy.- 12 Endocrine Maturation of the Fetus.- 13 Development and Function of the Fetal Endocrine System.- 14 Endocrine Control of Parturition.- 15 Multiple Physiological Effects of Relaxin During Pregnancy.- 16 Placental Lactogen and Growth Hormone: Regulation and Action.- 17 Stromal-Epithelial Cell Communication in the Female Reproductive Tract.- 18 Maternal Cardiovascular and Other Physiologic Responses to the Endocrinology of Pregnancy.- 19 The Endocrinology of Uterine Decidualization.- 20 Endocrine Regulation of Maternal Behavior Postpartum.