The magnitude of the problem -- Understanding the experience of pregnancy and childbirth -- Normal pregnancy -- Problems in pregnancy -- Understanding the woman in context -- The proximal context -- Challenging assumptions -- The larger context : culture, community, and beyond -- Finding common ground in the care of pregnant, laboring, and postpartum women -- Pregnancy -- Intrapartum and postpartum care -- Prevention and health promotion -- Enhancing the clinical relationship in woman-centered care in pregnancy and childbirth -- Being realistic : an uphill battle