Risk factors for neonatal mortality in the life of first week

Objective: to analyze the risk factors for early neonatal mortality. Method: analytical study with secondary data, from 2003 to 2012 in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). The data were collected from the Department of the Unified Health System (SUS) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test from Pearson. Results: it was noteworthy the ratio of prevalence of low birth weight with 43.70 and then immediately prematurity with 41.55. It features as protective factor, maternal education 8 to 11 years of study. The first week of life: low birth weight, preterm and post-term, mothers with no education, the black race, twin pregnancy, teenagers pregnant and advanced age were risk factors for infant mortality in the early neonatal period. Conclusion: therefore, health services should prioritize prenatal, childbirth and postpartum care