In some cases of shunt malfunction in pregnant women the symptoms can be so severe and occur so early that not only the mother but also the baby is threatened. In such a situation the close co-operation of a neurosurgeon and a gynaecologist is mandatory. Both conservative and surgical treatment have to be applied to overcome the time until the delivery carries an acceptable risk for the child. In such a case a pre-term delivery by Cesarean section should be recommended. (Fig. 1, Ref. 2.)