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Birth date prediction. Electrodes on a pregnant woman's abdomen used to predict the date of birth of her child by measuring electrical signals in her uterus. The test is accurate up to two weeks in advance. The red trace on the computer screen at upper centre shows the tiny electrical signals which control her uterine contractions. These signals build up in the weeks approaching labour. This technique, known as electrohysterography, could prevent women beginning labour unprepared. It could also prevent false alarms. This test has been developed by researchers at the University of Leeds, England. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/JAMES KING-HOLMES)