Cesarean delivery rates in Saudi Arabia: a ten-year review.

Background And Objectives: In view of the global increase in the rate of cesarean deliveries (CD), with the associated higher morbidity and mortality, this study was undertaken to review CD rates and some of their determinants over a ten-year period in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Maternity data for Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals across 14 administrative regions and other governmental hospitals in nine clusters were collected and the corresponding rates calculated using MOH yearly statistical books from 1997 to 2006. No private hospital data are reported.

Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction, related or independent conditions?

Objective: Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and unexplained intrauterine growth restriction may have similar determinants and consequences. In this study, we compared determinants and perinatal outcomes associated with these obstetric conditions.

Study Design: We analyzed 39,615 pregnancies (data from the WHO Antenatal Care Trial), of which 2.

Heterogeneity of perinatal outcomes in the preterm delivery syndrome.

Objective: Our aim was to document the differential neonatal morbidity and intrapartum and neonatal mortality of subgroups of preterm delivery.

Methods: This analysis included 38,319 singleton pregnancies, of which 3,304 (8.6%) were preterm deliveries (less than 37 completed weeks) enrolled in the World Health Organization randomized trial of a new antenatal care model.

Failed individual and sequential instrumental vaginal delivery: contributing risk factors and maternal-neonatal complications.

Background: To identify the risk factors for failed instrumental vaginal delivery, and to compare maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with failed individual and sequential instruments used.

Design: A retrospective case-control study.

Methods: From January 1995 to June 2001, there were 39 508 live births at >37 weeks' gestation of which 2628 (6.

Womens' opinions on antenatal care in developing countries: results of a study in Cuba, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

Background: The results of a qualitative study carried out in four developing countries (Cuba, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Argentina) are presented. The study was conducted in the context of a randomised controlled trial to test the benefits of a new antenatal care protocol that reduced the number of visits to the doctor, rationalised the application of technology, and improved the provision of information to women in relation to the traditional protocol applied in each country.

Methods: Through focus groups discussions we were able to assess the concepts and expectations underlying women's evaluation of concepts and experiences of the care received in antenatal care clinics.

Are women and providers satisfied with antenatal care? Views on a standard and a simplified, evidence-based model of care in four developing countries.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed women and providers' satisfaction with a new evidence-based antenatal care (ANC) model within the WHO randomized trial conducted in four developing countries. The WHO study was a randomized controlled trial that compared a new ANC model with the standard type offered in each country. The new model of ANC emphasized actions known to be effective in improving maternal or neonatal health, excluded other interventions that have not proved to be beneficial, and improved the information component, especially alerting pregnant women to potential health problems and instructing them on appropriate responses.