[Fetal and placental maturation processes towards the end of pregnancy and their diagnosis (author's transl)].

Prenatal fetal maturation is defined as the sum of all growth and differentiation processes necessary for a mature, eutrophic newborn capable of further independent development. These growth and maturation processes, which can be precisely assessed in animal experiments, are subject to genetic and teratogenic influences, but are mainly determined by the duration of pregnancy and uteroplacental function. With the diagnositc procedures available today, such as somography and fetal electrocardiography, the growth and differentiation processes mainly depending on the duration of pregnancy may be assessed from early gestation until term; in cases with discrepancy between duration and normal maturation, the time of birth may be advanced or postponed, and in cases with insufficient growth analyses of steroid and protein hormones permit conclusions as to disturbed uteroplacental function.