The increased incidence of antenatal distress calls to the SAMU (emergency medical squad) by pediatric obstetricians in maternity departments (6 times in 5 years) poses the problem of recognizing their indications. Based on case reports of 128 newborns who profited from antenatal assistance, the authors attempt to define the indications. The elimination of student physicians in training for anesthesiology-intensive care, additional participants during SAMU transportation of patients, makes it even more necessary to define these indications accurately so that a single language of communication and procedure may be instituted for all who are involved in this effort.