Fertility and Pregnancy An Epidemiologic Perspective

Fertility and Pregnancy: An Epidemiologic Perspective offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of human reproduction-its biological foundations, historical context, and the factors that can disrupt its processes. In this thoroughly revised edition, Allen J. Wilcox masterfully integrates insights from history, biology, obstetrics, paediatrics, demography, infectious diseases, molecular genetics, and evolutionary biology to present a cohesive, and accessible overview of reproductive epidemiology.

With clarity and wit, Wilcox enriches the narrative with compelling anecdotes and insightful illustrations, making complex concepts both understandable and memorable. This edition reflects the dynamic nature of the field, incorporating the latest research findings and theoretical advances. These are conveyed in over thirty new illustrations and extensively updated chapters, including the emerging role of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy complications and the often-misunderstood condition of fetal growth restriction.

The book covers a wide range of topics-from the biology of conception and fetal development to the influence of genetics and infectious diseases. It delves into key epidemiologic themes such as recurrence risk within families, the impact of selective fertility, and the methodological challenges of establishing causality. The volume concludes with a thoughtful discussion of unresolved questions and future research opportunities, offering valuable insights for scholars, clinicians, and students alike.

Allen J. Wilcox, Emeritus Investigator, NIEHS, US National Institutes of Health,

Allen Wilcox is an epidemiologist in Durham NC who studies the biology of human reproduction. He spent his career at NIEHS, one of the National Institutes of Health, with adjunct professorships at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University. He was the editor-in-chief of the journal EPIDEMIOLOGY for 14 years and has served as president of the Society for Epidemiologic Research and the American Epidemiological Society. He holds an MD from the University of Michigan, a PhD from the University of North Carolina, and an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Bergen (Norway).

Foundations1. The Creative Biology of Human Reproduction2. On Getting Pregnant3. How Humans Control Their Fertility4. Infections and Reproduction5. The Genetics of Reproduction6. Evolutionary Biology and Eugenics7. Heterogeneity of Risk8. Themes and VariationsOutcomes9. Fertility, Fecundity, Fecundability10. Very Early Pregnancy Loss11. Miscarriage12. Stillbirth and Infant Mortality13. Twins and More14. Gestational Age and Preterm Delivery15. Birthweight and Fetal Growth16. Birth Defects17. Fetal Exposures and Adult Disease18. Sex Ratio19. Maternal Mortality and Morbidity20. Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy21. Methods: Challenges and Opportunities22. Future Directions