OBJECTIVE: To monitor the growth of high-risk babies in the first year of life. METHODS: Analytical, cohort study, conducted with 237 babies born in Maringá - PR, between May 1 to October 31, 2008, under the Program for the Surveillance of At-Risk Infants. RESULTS: Growth changes were present in 188 (79.3%) infants and occurred mainly after the first trimester of life. A slower than expected growth rate showed statistical association with maternal age of less than 18 years, education of less than 8 years, presence of congenital anomalies, and birth weight greater than or equal to 2,500g born at term. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of growth in at-risk infants should include a multidimensional analysis, considering the biological and maturational aspects of each specific risk condition, and adaptation of the baby and his/her family on this evolutionary path.
Maternal-child nursing; Child health; Growth; Risk factors
