The exact magnitude of the problem of perinatal morbidity and mortality is one of the most important problems in Upper Egypt particularly rural areas. The study aimed for assessment of the incidence, distribution
and underlying factors of perinatal mortality as well as the different neonatal morbidities. A follow up study was conducted in two randomly selected local administrative rural units in Beni-Suif governorate; where all pregnant women attending these centers were interviewed and examined. The study included any pregnant woman in the last expected 4 months (late fetal life) November 2007- February 2008 and throughout their early neonatal period. A questionnaire consisted of 2 parts, the first part concerned with the maternal aspects, while the second part for the neonates. A sample size of 200 pregnant women was calculated to be statistically sufficient but it was increased to 240. A total 240 pregnant women have been followed up, they gave 3 still births (1.25%) and 3 early neonatal deaths (1.25%). As regards morbidity it was observed that (87.8%) of the followed up neonates suffered at least one morbidity problem throughout the early neonatal period (1 week) whether st infectious or non infectious. Infection occupied the top of the list (57.4%). The most common infection detected was acute Respiratory Infection (36%) followed by Gastrointestinal Infection (28.7%). Among the non infectious problems, prematurity (37.5%) and the least was Congenital anomalies (4.2%). Those who attended MCH less than 4 times: of them 84.5% illiterate, 66.7% with perinatal mortality and 69.2% gave low birth weight infants. Neonatal infection was most common among illiterate (93.1%) while it was43.5% among educated mothers (secondary and university), 62.2%of neonatal infections occurred among neonates delivered at home in
comparison to 36.8% delivered at health facility. The study stressed on importance of education of women and antenatal care in rural communities besides raising the level of services in MCH in Beni-Suif