A CYPRIOT primigravida, aged 24 years, of average build, was admitted in labour on the 8th February, 1951 at 34 weeks. Her expected date of delivery was the 20th March, 1951. When seen earlier that day in the clinic the possibility of the breech presenting was considered and an X-ray taken. The radiological report indicated that there was some splaying of the lower limbs resembling a “Buddha foetus” and raised the possibility of this being a case of hydrops foetalis. However, the mother was Rhesus positive and no antibodies were present. On the morning of the following day the membranes ruptured and the second stage began shortly after midday. The head was delivered after a steady advance but the shoulders would not deliver, despite considerable traction and fundal pressure. A difficult vaginal examination was made without much further information being gained and, as the infant was by now asphyxiated, an anaesthetist was urgently sent for and arrived within minutes. Under anaesthesia a more complete examination was possible and the cause of the obstruction became clear. The abdomen of the foetus was grossly distended, occupied the birth canal tightly and was obviously too large to enter the pelvic brim. It was wedged rather in the manner of an inverted pear whose stalk corresponded to the neck of the infant. Perforation of the abdomen was necessary and was done with a pair of long curved scissors. An incision was made at the nearest point in the upper abdomen of the foetus close to the costal