Birth And Human Evolution

by M M Abitbol, William J. Ledger

Overview

This is a careful study of obstetrical mechanics in monkeys, apes, and extinct hominids in order to understand the present crisis in human reproduction. Current obstetrical problems have an anthropological origin. Cesarean section, almost unknown at the beginning of the century, is now considered necessary in more than 25% of deliveries. By studying the evolution of anatomical structures and the mode of delivery among other primates, strong reasons are apparent for the present crisis in human labor and delivery. This unique study points the way to further evolution of the human birth process.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780897894708
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/30/1996
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.63(d)
Lexile:	1420L (what's this?)

About the Author

M. MAURICE ABITBOL, M.D., is Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Jamaica Hospital in Jamaica, New York, where he teaches obstetrics and gynecology. He has done and is currently doing major research work at various university centers, including State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Frank A. Chervenak and William J. Ledger
Obstetrical Mechanics and Evolution
Anatomy and Physiology of Parturition in Primates
Factors Affecting the Different Pelvic Shapes
Obstetrical Mechanics in the Human Species
Obstetrical Mechanics in Hominids: General Principles
Parturition in Rhesus Monkey: Report of Twelve Cases
Obstetrical Mechanics in Pongids
Obstetrical Mechanics in Lucy
Obstetrics in STS 14
The Mechanism of Birth in Homo erectus
Obstetrical Mechanics in Arago 44
Obstetrical Mechanics in Neanderthals
Perspective Evolution of Human Obstetrics
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

A study of the movements of the fetus as it passes through the maternal birth canal in the different primate species from an evolutionary point of view, describing obstetrical mechanics in primates from monkeys to modern humans, examining pelvic structure in fossil hominids, and presenting original theories of evolutionary trends in parturition in the past, present, and future of the human species. For researchers in both anthropology and obstetrics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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