A new scoring system for the assessment of neurological status for antenatal application is proposed, similar to the neonatal optimality test of Amiel-Tison. This preliminary work may help in detecting fetal brain and neurodevelopmental alterations due to in utero brain impairment.

A significant proportion of fetal anomalies are surgically correctable. Their accurate and reliable prenatal diagnosis is of great importance, and will have significant influence on both postnatal and postsurgical outcome. The influence of prenatal diagnosis of simple structural defects will interfere with organ development. In the light of recent achievements, traditional teratology has to be reexamined more critically.