Introduction:
European countries are characterized by low mortality during the infancy period compared to other areas of the world. However, there are significant disparities in the state of infant health which are related to socio-economic conditions and place of residence.

Objective:
Analysis of mortality in Poland from foetal and maternal causes (length of gestation, birth weight, maternal age) in the neonatal and post-neonatal period depending on place of residence (rural and urban areas) in 2004–2013.

Material and Methods:
Data on mortality during the neonatal and infancy period in 2004–2013 was obtained from the Central Statistical Office. Diagnosed cases of deaths in rural and urban areas were analyzed, taking into account the causes of death according to ICD-10, the duration of pregnancy in weeks, birth weight, and maternal age. Trend analysis and comparison of mortality between rural and urban areas were performed using the Poisson regression model.

Results:
In rural areas, neonatal and post-neonatal death rates due to congenital malformations were siginificantly higher than in urban areas. The mortality rate was also higher in rural areas in children born to women aged 20–34 years, and children born after 37 weeks gestation with low birth weight. In the cities, higher post-neonatal mortality was due to respiratory diseases, and in children born after 37 weeks gestation to mothers under the age of 20 years. A decrease in the mortality of newborns and infants was observed, but in rural areas neonatal mortality decreased significantly more slowly.

Conclusions:
The results indicate the need to intensify programmes aimed at improving access to prenatal and maternity care, especially among women in rural areas.