Pregnancy and perinatal health in Inner Mongolia, China, 1996–1999

Abstract

ObjectiveTo obtain descriptive measures of maternal and perinatal health in the Ba Men Region of Inner Mongolia, China. MethodsData collected from the Examination Chart for Pregnant Women for approximately 22,000 pregnancies in a three-county area of Inner Mongolia, China from December 1, 1996 through December 31, 1999 were analyzed for maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes. ResultsCompared to selected developing countries, a higher percentage of women (99%) in this region received at least one prenatal care visit. This region was also characterized by a low percentage of low birthweight (<2.5 kg) infants (1%) and neonatal mortality rate (5 deaths per 1000 live births). ConclusionsMaternal and neonatal health outcomes in this region of Inner Mongolia were better than those in selected developing countries.