Measurements of body weight, total body water and total body potassium (*OK) * Measurements periods (in weeks): 1 = 10 to 14; 2 = 24 to 28; 3 = 36 to 38.

Summary In vitro adipose tissue lipolysis was investigated in pregnant and non‐pregnant women. Basal and hormone‐stimulated rates of lipolysis were significantly higher in the pregnant group. Human placental lactogen (HPL) was shown to be lipolytic on adipose tissue from both pregnant and non‐pregnant women; the response being more marked in the pregnant group. We postulate that HPL is responsible for this increased lipolytic sensitivity in pregnancy, the result of which is the elevation in levels of plasma free fatty acids in the third trimester.

SummaryThe incidence and outcome of babies suffering from meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) has been analysed in a 6‐year review of 38 395 births at Guy's Hospital and Queen Charlotte's Maternity Hospital. One in 533 births (0·2%) was complicated by MAS, the mortality rate for which was 1 in 12. There was also a number of babies identified as possibly suffering from ‘subclinical MAS’ but no deaths occurred in this group. Males were more affected than females.

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