[Gravidogram of antenatal care (author's transl)]

The system of antenatal care in Sweden is reported. Every clinically healthy pregnant woman has to undergo more than 15 checks during pregnancy, including two examinations by a gynaecological specialist and the others by skilled midwives. Uterine growth (and, consequently, fetal growth) and increase of maternal bodyweight are kept under surveillance by means of gravidogram. All measured data are graphically recorded and compared to the standard values given in the gravidogram. Hence, early diagnosis is possible of major highrisk groups, such as retardation of fetal growth, macrosomia, twins and hydramnios. -- A catalogue of risk factors and a cervix score for assessment of cervical maturity are available for early detection of imminent premature delivery. -- The introduction of the gravidogram at Danderyds Hospital in 1972 has been followed by antepartum, intrapartum and neonatal mortality figures down by some 50 per cent as well as by unambiguous improvement in the general condition of newborns. Growing and widening use of the gravidogram throughout Sweden has been accompanied by increasingly visible decline of perinatal mortality. Systematic and improved antenatal care, consequently, is decisive for reduction of perinatal mortality and morbidity.