The fetus occupies a critical phase during human development, when the body systems that will support us throughout our lives begin to face up to the challenge of life outside the womb. Whilst the fetus can demonstrate a remarkably robust response to challenges in the uterus, it is also an exquisitely sensitive phase of development. It is now well recognized that disturbances to the materno-fetal environment can influence and even undermine our state of health well into adulthood. This exciting new publication provides a valuable insight into fetal growth and development across all the main body systems, and examines the influence of the materno-fetal environment on adult-onset diseases. Additional chapters on the embryo, the placenta and parturition will insure that this is a fully self-contained introduction. Written by world-renowned experts from leading centres of excellence, this account will be an invaluable introduction for students of medicine, reproductive biology and human biology.