[Medical birth registries a gold mine for research]

Systematic monthly monitoring of the occurrence of congenital abnormalities has been practised in Norway since 1971, and has made important contributions in the field of perinatal epidemiology. The registry would also be a unique source of data for generation studies of reproductive outcome. Hitherto, little advantage has been taken of the possible uses of the registry for research into factors of importance to children's development, health and function. Important contributions can be made by using the registry in conjunction with other relevant registers within the health and social sectors. A research co-operation between the birth registers in the five Nordic countries was established in 1970.