[Social medicine analysis of live birth statistics of the former district of Gera (1983 to 1986) with special reference to low-birth-weight infants].

The mortality of low birth weight infants is twenty times higher than that of mature infants (up to 2500 g). The influences of several social parameters to the birth weight of liveborn children are examined. All liveborn children from 1983 to 1986 in the formerly district of Gera in Thuringia are counted. Risks concerning an increased rate of premature birth are multiparity, higher birth order, maternal age below 19 and over 30 years, unskilled mothers of during their vocational training, unwed mothers and mothers working in trade factories. These mothers need a more intensive care during their pregnancy. The efforts have to be intensified to minimize risks specific for occupation to pregnant women.