Coitus and the Fetus

Abstract

IN this issue Naeye describes an association between coitus and amniotic-fluid infection that resulted in increased fetal morbidity and mortality. The findings are based on a study of 26,886 single-born infants delivered between 1959 and 1966 as part of the Collaborative Perinatal Project conducted at 12 medical centers. The diagnosis of mild amniotic-fluid infection was made if more than four neutrophils per microscopical high-power field were found in the subchorionic plate of the placenta. Severe infection was diagnosed if there were more than 15 neutrophils. Placental inflammation and perinatal mortality were more frequently observed if coitus was reported to have . . .