Abstract
The object of fetal monitoring is to ensure optimum quality of life. To translate this concept into practical obstetrics in early pregnancy one would of necessity adopt two courses of action. The first is to detect a congenital abnormality in a given pregnancy with a view to offering therapeutic
abortion. The second is to prevent the occurrence of such affected pregnancies through genetic counselling and avoidance of those environmental
factors which are known to produce fetal anomalies. The first trimester is the most critical period in the life of the developing organism as it is not only the time of very rapid cell division and organ formation, but also the organism has to migrate from the fallopian tube to reach the uterine cavity,implant itself and establish a secure and effective system of nutritional supply. It is dynamically vulnerable and highly susceptible to noxious agents.