Serum copper and zinc were estimated in 44 mothers and their cord blood at term. The results were compared with 40 age-matched non-pregnant females and 67 males. The mean serum copper in the nonpregnant female group and in males was 114.6 (SD 30.43) and 111.3 (SD 30.79) micrograms/dl, whereas in mothers immediately after delivery it was 135.3 (+/- 26.26) micrograms/dl, which was significantly higher than the female control group (P less than 0.01). In fetal cord blood, it was 35% as compared to maternal blood. Serum zinc in control females and males was 112.8 (+/- 11.94) and 109.9 (+/- 15.69) micrograms/dl, respectively. In mothers it was 102.9 (+/- 17.04) micrograms/dl which was significantly lower than the female controls. In fetal cord blood, it was 98.6 (+/- 12.10) micrograms/dl. No significant difference could be obtained between maternal serum zinc and cord blood levels.