European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Volume 116, Issue 2, 2004, Pages 170-172

Delivery and immigration: The experience of an Italian hospital (Article)

Rizzo N. , Ciardelli V. , Gandolfi Colleoni G.* , Bonavita B. , Parisio C. , Farina A. , Bovicelli L.
  • a Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Univ. Bologna, Via M., Bologna, Italy
  • b Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Univ. Bologna, Via M., Bologna, Italy
  • c Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Univ. Bologna, Via M., Bologna, Italy
  • d Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Univ. Bologna, Via M., Bologna, Italy
  • e Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Univ. Bologna, Via M., Bologna, Italy
  • f Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Univ. Bologna, Via M., Bologna, Italy
  • g Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Univ. Bologna, Via M., Bologna, Italy

Abstract

Objective: We studied mode of delivery and prevalence of complications in pregnant women from the western world (WW) and immigrant mothers from non European Union (non-EU) countries at a third level Italian Obstetric Department. Study design: The study was population based and used data from the local Birth Registry at the University of Bologna. A 1:1 case control was performed by matching 510 single live births from immigrant mothers (non-EU) during the period 1997-2001 with 510 controls in chronological order (WW). Data were matched by age and parity. Results: No differences between the two groups were noted as concerns preterm delivery, percentage of infants transferred to neonatal intensive care unit, perinatal mortality, caesarean section rate, episiotomies, instrumental deliveries and post-partum complications. Significant differences were noted in the rate of elective caesarean section (which was higher in the WW women: P<0.01) and in the rate of vaginal lacerations and neonatal malformations (which was higher in the non-EU group: P<0.05). Conclusions: There was no substantial variation in the mode of delivery between non-EU immigrants and western women; only the rate of elective caesarean section was significantly higher in the WW group. A higher rate of vaginal lacerations and neonatal malformations was found in the non-EU group. In our experience the standard of medical care is achievable regardless of ethnic group. © 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Delivery Immigration Pregnancy

Index Keywords

controlled study human female priority journal congenital malformation newborn intensive care premature labor Article perinatal mortality laceration delivery pregnancy complication cesarean section immigration perinatal period
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-4444368957&doi=10.1016%2fj.ejogrb.2004.02.018&partnerID=40&md5=1fbb080236b7c518cd31e1844d4a93c1
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2004.02.018
ISSN: 03012115
Cited by: 28
Original Language: English