The patient population of 2 cerebral palsy facilities serving northeastern New York State [USA] was studied to evaluate obstetric factors which might be associated with the development of cerebral palsy. A combination of available medical records and a maternal questionnaire was used for analysis. Of 605 contacted, 158 mothers (26%) provided valid and detailed data, and the study was confined to these 158 patients. A positive association was found with increased reproductive loss, prematurity and vaginal breech delivery. The need to develop and adopt a comprehensive uniform record system for the pregnant patient and her child was underscored. The limitations of a single factor retrospective study were acknowledged.