The objective was to identify the profile of mothers and premature births and characterize the premature newborns at risk for growth and development. A cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in Guarapuava PR. The data were obtained through the information system on live births (SINASC) based on declarations of live births. The statistical analysis was performed on a sample composed by 106 live births premature declarations, of January to June 2005, and their mothers. The used variables were: characteristics sociodemographics, the gestation period and child-birth conditions, and characteristics of the alive born infants. It was concluded that knowing and evaluating the mothers' profile, the number and situation of the children's of a birth area, in a period of time, is important in the determination of the vital risks related to conditions of the birth, growth and infantile development, being these component aspects of several health indicators, and fundamental for the attendance in the maternal-infantile area.
Premature; Infant mortality; Pregnancy; Risk factors
