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Summary A simple, accurate and reproducible radio‐immunosorbent technique has been developed to measure serum concentrations of chorionic somatomammotrophin (HCS). It appears to fulfil all the criteria for a good placental function test. The syncytiotrophoblast is the sole source of the hormone. It is easily measured in the serum from the 6th week until delivery. There is no circadian rhythm and the serum level is unaffected by stress or metabolic changes. It has a short half‐life of 20 minutes. The serum HCS levels mirror the curve of fetal growth increment and low serum HCS concentrations were present in hypertensive disease of pregnancy. There appears to be a definite fetal danger zone separating normal from abnormal values. In cases of fetal death in hypertensive disease of pregnancy the serial serum HCS readings entered this zone before fetal demise. Serum HCS estimation was not helpful in diabetes nor in rhesus sensitization.