Abstract: 7712 cases of perinatal fetuses and newborns from 1986～1988 were analysed. 67 them were found to have congenital malformations. The birth defect rate was 8.68‰. During this period 148 cases were perinatal deaths. The perinatal mortality rate was 19.19‰. Autopsy was performed in 125 cases and the autopsy rate was 84.46%. Twenty-nine of 148 cases of perinatal death were diagnosed as congenital malformation. Malformation took second place in the causes of perinatal death,38 (5.02‰) live-born babies with malformations were found, The malformation appeared to be NTD, congenital heart disease, and hypoplasia of the respartory organs ect. Based on our studies, we consider that it is important to avoid expesure to teratogenic factors during early pregnancy. Chromosome aralysis, "B" ultrasonography and α-FP test are the screening methods that can be used to decrease the incidence of fetal malformation.

Key words: perinatal period, birth defect, congenital malformation