Childbirth can be considered as a story illustrating the journey (process of childbirth) of a passenger (the baby), traveling via maternal passage. This is what the book, “A Practical Guide to Obstetrics & Gynecology” aims to offer by providing the complete coverage of all practical aspects of obstetrics and gynecology from both examination and viva point of view. This is not a quick-read handbook just before examinations, but a complete manual, which would serve as a comprehensive guide for undergraduate students. The book would not only be extremely useful for the undergraduates preparing for the practical/viva examination, but will also aid the postgraduate and DNB students for brushing up their basics. The book covers all important topics encountered by a student at the time of practical viva examination: history taking and examination in both obstetrics and gynecology; important clinical cases in obstetrics and gynecology; normal labor room and operation theater (OT) procedures; important drugs used in obstetrics and gynecology; contraception; imaging; instruments and specimens in obstetrics and gynecology. The book also features an appendix at the end covering useful topics such as nutritional values, biochemistry and hematological parameters.

Writing a book is a colossal task. It can never be completed without divine intervention and approval. Therefore, I have decided to end this preface with a small prayer of thanks to the Almighty, which I was taught in my childhood.

Simultaneously, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the related authors and publishers whose references have been used in this book. Book creation is teamwork, and I acknowledge the way the entire staff of M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd., New Delhi, India, worked hard on this manuscript to give it a final shape. I would like to thank Shri Jitendar P Vij (Group Chairman), Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, for being the guiding beacon, and source of inspiration and motivation behind this book. I would also like to thank Mr Ankit Vij (President) and Mr Tarun Duneja (Director-Publishing). Last but not the least, I would also like to thank the entire staff of Jaypee Brothers, especially, Mr Nitish Kumar Dubey, Mr Amit Rai, and Mr Syed Amir Haider (Medical Editors) for editing the manuscript and coordinating the process of publication; Mr Vinod Kumar Sharma (DTP Operator) for typesetting the book; Mr Manoj Pahuja (Senior Graphic Designer) and Mr Vijay Singh (Graphic Designer) for making beautiful illustrations. May God bless them all!

I believe that writing a book involves a continuous learning process. Though extreme care has been taken to maintain accuracy while writing this book, constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated. Please e-mail me your comments at the email address: richa@drrichasaxena.com. Also, please feel free to visit my website www.drrichasaxena.com for obtaining information related to various other books written by me and to make use of the free resources available for the medical students.