This is the sixth edition of Essential Obstetrics and Gynaecology, marking more than 30 years since the first edition was published.
The last 20 years have seen significant changes in both the scientific understanding of human reproduction and clinical practice. Although some aspects have remained constant, the sheer pace of development has made it necessary for us to invite experts within the different fields of the disciplines of obstetrics and gynaecology to contribute to the work. In addition to a complete update of the content, in this edition we have included OSCE stations in the self-assessment section because this is a common modality for undergraduate assessment. We have retained the popular overall structure of division into basic reproductive sciences of obstetrics and gynaecology and continued with the format that was introduced with the fifth edition of defining learning outcomes in alignment with the RCOG national undergraduate curriculum. Our section on further reading provides information on key articles and guidelines for the reader to obtain greater understanding of the subject.