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Symphysis fundus heights (SF) were measured approximately 15 times during pregnancy in a consecutive series of 2941 women with regular menstrual cycles and known last menstrual period. A reference SF chart from 17 to 40 weeks of pregnancy was derived from measurements in 1350 of these women who were healthy, and heights and pre-pregnancy weights within the 10th and 90th centiles and were delivered vaginally of healthy infants with a birthweight/length ratio within +/- 2 SD. The reference chart was used to predict fetal growth deviations in the unselected series of pregnancies. The effectiveness of SF measures to detect fetuses with an infant birthweight/length ratio below -2 SD or a birthweight below the 10th centile was low; the sensitivity was only 16.7 and 26.6% and the predictive value of positive screening result was 1.8 and 18.0%, respectively. Corresponding values for fetuses with an infant birthweight/length ratio above + 2 SD or a birthweight above the 90th centile were 31.8 and 37.5% and 3.3 and 24.5%, respectively. Symphysis fundus (SF) measurement has thus been found to be of limited value as a screening method to detect abnormal size at birth.

Two cases are presented in which previously acquired antibodies against rabbits in the patient's serum caused falsely elevated hormonal levels in radio-immuno assays (RIA) based on rabbit antibodies to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The erroneous results led to unnecessary operative intervention and inconvenience for the patients.

185 samples of amniotic fluid were obtained from 174 healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies in the 15th-43rd week of pregnancy by abdominal amniocentesis or by puncture of the amniotic sac via an amnioscope. The concentrations of creatinine (183 cases), phospholipid phosphorus and the ratio of lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S-ratio, 130 cases) were determined. The treatment of the amniotic fluid samples (centrifugation, filtration and lipid extraction) and the methods for the determination of L/S-ratio were examined and the accuracy and limitations of the latter method were defined and discussed. The relative amounts of lecithin and sphingomyelin as well as the L/S-ratio and creatinine concentration were closely correlated to gestational age. A L/S-ratio of greater than or equal to 2.25 indicated all women to be greater than or equal to 34th week of pregnancy; 64% of them had reached the 38th week. A creatinine concentration of greater than or equal to 1.8 mg% corresponded to X greater than or equal to 35th week or pregnancy, while 75% of the women had reached at least the 38th week. With a L/S-ratio greater than or equal to 2.25 and a creatinine concentration greater or equal to 1.8 mg% of all women were greater than or equal the 36th week. 71% of the women greater or equal the 38th week fulfilled these critiera. A combination of the two parameters seems to be of a great value in discrimination between gestational ages less than the 36th week and greater than or equal to the 38th week.

176 samples of amniotic fluid were obtained by abdominal amniocentesis from 69 women with complicated pregnancies (toxemia, diabetes mellitus or rhesus isoimmunization) in the 27th-43rd week of pregnancy. The concentration of creatinine (172 cases), the ratio of lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S-ratio, 155 cases) and phospholipid phosphorus (155 cases) were determined and related to gestational age. The results were compared with normal pregnancy. The mean level of creatinine in toxemia was significantly higher from the 32nd week till term (p less than 0.05) and the L/S-ratio was significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in the 34th-35th week compared with normal pregnancy. Creatinine concentration was significantly elevated in diabetic pregnancy in the 36th-37th week (p less than 0.05). Creatinine concentration tended to be low in Rh-isoimmunization. A creatinine concentration greater than or equal to 1.8 mg% and a L/S-ration greater than or equal to 2.25 always corresponded to a gestational age greater than or equal to 35th week. To get increased precision in estimating gestational age in complicated as well as in normal pregnancy the determination of both creatinine concentration and L/S-ratio in amniotic fluid is recommended.

Roentgenologic pelvimetry has been performed in 68 consecutive cases of occiput posterior position. The results point to an influence from a transverse narrowing of the pelvis or a tendency towards large dimensions. In many cases, however, no clear correlation to pelvic dimensions is found. A significant difference exists in the rate of obstetrical complications between nulliparous and parous women. The reasons for this and for the persistent OP position are discussed.