First results and experiences with our prematurity and dysmaturity prevention program (PDP-program).

The mortality and morbidity of newborns with low birth-weight are considerably higher than in newborns with normal body-weight. The incidence of perinatal death and injury is highest in the low birth-weight group. In countries with low prematurity rates perinatal mortality is in most cases correspondingly low, e. g. Sweden and the Netherlands. Hence the most pressing task of obstetrical and perinatal medicine is to lower the number of newborns with low birth-weight to the minimum. PAPIERNIK [10] and our staflf [12] have developed independently programs which can be used for evaluating in advance the risk of low birth-weight, so that appropriate measures can be taken in time.