[The organisation of perinatal care in a rural area. An enquiry into the Limousin Region (author's transl)].

Improvement in mortality and perinatal morbidity in rural areas is the result of: The appointment of qualified obstetricians. The provision of modern methods of obstetrical monitoring. The fact that "'avoidable" mortality and morbidity persist in these same rural districts is related to: Premature deliveries and the difficulties of transporting the premature babies. The survival of "country deliveries". We propose three solutions to improve perinatal care in these regions: Transformation of rural maternity units which are under-equipped into Centres where pregnancy can be monitored properly. Avoidance of transfer of the newborn by making it easier to transport the mother to Centres that have a good obstetric and paediatric unit. Provision of a real liaison between the unit that has the obstetrician and paediatrician in it and the district rural maternity services.