Fetal foot length as a predictor of gestational age.

Ultrasonographic measurement of fetal foot length is useful in the assessment of gestational age. Two hundred twenty-three postpartum and 224 ultrasonographic measurements were performed between 11 and 43 weeks' gestation; 207 postpartum and 160 ultrasonographic measurements met our requirements of secure dates and no physical anomaly or maternal disease. Mean foot length at each week of gestation compared favorably with Streeter's data, based on pathologic specimens, described in 1920.

ECT in an acutely psychotic pregnant woman with actively aggressive (homicidal) impulses.

The specific use of ECT to control homicidal impulses in a pregnant, acutely psychotic schizophrenic patient is described, with no adverse effects to the mother or the baby. Besides the relative safety of the procedure during pregnancy, the need for monitoring foetal effects is stressed. Although literature is abundant on various aspects of ECT (1-3) there has been little written on its use in pregnancy (4-6) for its value in treating severe depressive illness or certain types of schizophrenia; without adverse effect to the mother and the baby, and where there is a risk-benefit advantage to its use.

Placental site, parity, and date of quickening.

The influence of placental site and parity on the date of quickening was studied in 112 gravidas. With placental site on the anterior uterine wall, quickening occurred at a mean gestational age of 19 weeks in primigravidas, and 17 weeks, five days in multiparas. With placental site on the posterior uterine wall, quickening occurred at a mean gestational age of 18 weeks in primigravidas, and 16 weeks, one day in multiparas.

Uterine myomas in pregnancy.

Pregnancy complications occur in many patients who have uterine myomas. Patients in whom the placenta is implanted near a myoma are more likely to be affected. Early pregnancy bleeding, premature rupture of membranes and postpartum hemorrhage are the problems most frequently seen.