Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
Volume 72, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 157-162

Pregnancy outcome of migrant women delivering in a public institution in Northern Italy (Article)

Zanconato G.* , Iacovella C. , Parazzini F. , Bergamini V. , Franchi M.
  • a Department of Life Science and Reproduction, University of Verona, Verona, Italy, Clinica Ostetrica dell'Università di Verona, Policlinico Borgo Roma, IT-37134 Verona, Italy
  • b Department of Life Science and Reproduction, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
  • c Clinica Mangiagalli, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
  • d Department of Life Science and Reproduction, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
  • e Department of Life Science and Reproduction, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

Abstract

Background/Aim: European societies are facing a wave of incoming immigrants and the needs of a new multiethnic obstetrical population. It remains controversial whether native and immigrant women have equivalent pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Perinatal indicators of the obstetric outcome were monitored in all delivering women during a 5-year period in a large academic public general hospital. We compared rates of preterm deliveries, low birth weight, cesarean section during labor, perineal tears, and fetal acidemia in the native and immigrant parturients. Results: Immigrant women experienced very low birth weight (p < 0.005) and preterm deliveries (p < 0.05), more often than natives did. Among ethnic groups, data singled out Sub-Saharan African women to be at a higher risk for very small premature babies and cesarean section during labor. Conclusions: There are differences in perinatal outcome between immigrant and Italian woman; within the large migrant population, ethnic groups show wide disparities and challenge the health provider differently. Special attention to women at a higher risk may reduce fetal-maternal morbidities. © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Author Keywords

pregnancy outcomes Ethnic disparities female migrants

Index Keywords

immigrant Hospitals, Public Europe very low birth weight human middle aged Asia Premature Birth ethnic group priority journal premature labor acidemia Young Adult perineal care Humans Adolescent Infant, Newborn Emigrants and Immigrants female Africa pregnancy high risk population Infant, Low Birth Weight Hospitals, General public hospital Article delivery Retrospective Studies low birth weight pregnancy outcome major clinical study adult Italy cesarean section
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80255129695&doi=10.1159%2f000328318&partnerID=40&md5=29f8f196bd960e9600549de5a1070a96
DOI: 10.1159/000328318
ISSN: 03787346
Cited by: 19
Original Language: English