Briefly mentioned are molecular biology, ultrasound technology, improvements in fetal surgery, prevention of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and new tocolytic agents. The triple test, routine repetition of lung maturity induction, oxytocin challenge test, and episiotomy are now rarely used. Cesarean section on demand is increasing. Data of a population of 1.7 million pregnant women show that IUGR and preterm deliveries are strongly correlated with maternal age. This is important because the rate of pregnant women >34 years increased from 1.3% to 21.8% within the last 2 decades. On analyzing nuchal translucency and different biochemical parameters, the noninvasive detection rate of fetal malformations was significantly increased in the 1st trimester. Using Doppler sonography of the umbilical artery, perinatal mortality was reduced by about 38% in preselected high-risk groups. New interventional studies such as "GRIT" (growth restricted interventional trial) or "TRUFFLE" (trial umbilical fetal flow Europe) will provide more sophisticated ways for an optimized timing of delivery with the neurodevelopment in the long-term follow-up as a primary outcome parameter.