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Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years. India has one of the highest growths in the ART centers and the number of ART cycles performed every year. Very soon India will be the leader in the world of ART in terms of a number of cycles. With the advances of technology and availability of techniques even in tier II and tier III cities our country, the results still vary dramatically. There is no standardization of protocols and reporting is very inadequate. Furthermore, there are only ART guidelines and no law still exists. Our first and the biggest challenge is to document the tremendous work being done in India and on the basis of analysis of this work, a proper registry can be made and guidance given to all on standardization and improvement. This is the 8th edition of National ART Registry of India being presented and analyzed.

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Gross abnormalities of the skeletal system associated with a complete absence of genito‐urinary system are very rare. A case of mermaid foetus is being presented.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude and causes of three delays and their possible implications for safe motherhood. Methods:The cross-sectional prospective study was carried out over a period of 1 year from January to December 2010. All patients who fulfill the WHO criteria for maternal near miss and all cases of maternal death during this period were included in the study. The various factors responsible for the delays in accessing obstetrics care facilities at all the three levels were analyzed. Results:During 1 year period there were 10,553 emergency admissions in labor room and there were 4538 deliveries, out of these 123 patients who fulfilled the WHO criteria for near miss were included in the study. 83% of patients (102) reported first delay in seeking care and the most common reason for delay was inability to judge the graveness of situation. After initial care there was a delay in reaching a facility with comprehensive obstetric care in 62% of cases (76 patients) and this delay was of around 6 to 8 hours. Once the patients reached Jinnah Hospital there was a delay in about 15 (12%) patients. There were 13 maternal deaths during this period of 1 year and there was a delay both at seeking initial care and referral by the initial care providers. Conclusion:Delay in deciding to seek care (1st delay) was the major factors responsible for high maternal mortality and morbidity. So the role of community actors such as mothers in law, husbands, local healers and pharmacies and increased access to properly trained birth attendants need to be addressed if delays in reaching health facilities are to be shortened.

Ultrasound is now an established tool in the clinical management of pregnancy. Consequent to its major role in clinical decision-making and its remarkable operator dependence, it is necessary to have guidelines for minimum standards of performance of this modality in each area of obstetric ultrasound. The Society of Fetal Medicine guidelines have been developed for use by all the practitioners performing antenatal ultrasound scans. They are intended to provide the entire medical community with standards for the performance of quality ultrasound examinations. Practitioners are encouraged to go beyond these standards in relevant clinical situations. Each guideline in this document has undergone extensive discussion followed by a consensus. In a rapidly evolving technological and research environment, it is imperative to constantly re-evaluate and update these guidelines. Practitioners are advised to be aware of these updates and incorporate these into their daily practice.

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