[First examination of neonates. Results of early diagnostic documentation].

There is an annual statistical evaluation of documentation, done since 1971, of an early disease diagnosis programme for children. At first examination of neonates in the years 1977-1981, sex-specific difference was low as regards data on pregnancies at risk, but definite and constant differences were recorded as regards psychic and social stress during pregnancy. Pregnancies at risk without any special features at birth were registered in 12.5%. In 58.4% of newborns no special features with regard to pregnancy or birth were recorded. In contrast to all other markers, final pelvic position was more frequent for girls than boys. The proportion of operative obstetric procedures has slowly fallen from 1977 to 1981. Cesarean section has recently been practised in 12.4%. With regard to birth weight of children, the documentation revealed a difference from the Federal Statistical Office, which showed a higher number of low-birth weight new-borns. Comparing the results with those of other German or foreign statistics, there is a strikingly high frequency of cesarean section in the Federal Republic of Germany.