[An epidemiologic study of the risk factors leading to prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation]

A case-controlled epidemiologic study on the risk factors leading to prematurity and IUGR was carried out in 7 rural areas in Shunyi County, Beijing. 88 prematures, 83 IUGR and 509 normal controls were included in this study and 142 factors have been taken into consideration. The result revealed that strong or abrupt physical and psychic stroke to the gravidae were the main risk factors for prematurity while maternal poor health and malnutrition played a leading role in IUGR. Deficient in-take of various diet constituents might also play a part in both prematurity and IUGR Preventive measures, based on this study are postulated.