The value of frequent routine prenatal clinic visits in seemingly uncomplicated pregnancies has been questioned. To determine whether routine outpatient care significantly influences the incidence of premature delivery, we analyzed prenatal care compliance among low-risk patients who delivered over a one-year period. Prenatal care records of 50 patients who delivered prematurely were compared to those of 175 randomly selected patients who delivered at term. There were no demographic differences between the two groups. Rates of clinic attendance were significantly lower (p < 0.01) among patients who delivered severely premature infants (Table). Mortality among premature infants with a history of poor prenatal care was 23% in contrast to 2% among prematures with adequate prenatal care (p < 0.001). We conclude that seemingly low-risk obstetric patients who demonstrate poor early prenatal care compliance are at high risk for premature delivery and neonatal demise. Routine prenatal care may be an important factor in limiting both the incidence and degree of prematurity.