Obstetrical Risks in the 1990s in Developed Countries: Prematurity

Abstract

Prematurity accounts for more than one half of our neonatal mortality, at least one third of the cerebral palsies of perinatal origin, and the occupation of most of our intensive care neonatal beds. The prevalence of prematurity, defined as babies delivered before the 38th week of pregnancy (or under 2000 g for most practical purposes), is steadily increasing. In France, for instance, it declined from an inci dence of 8.2% of all deliveries in 1972 to 5.6% in 1981, and then started to rise again, reaching almost 8% at present. A similar development has been found in most EC countries.