Hospital level of care and neonatal mortality in low- and high-risk deliveries: reassessing the question in Sweden by multilevel analysis.

Background: In high-risk births, the availability and concentration of neonatal resources in larger regional hospitals increases the chance of survival. The advantages of regionalization for low-risk deliveries are still unclear, but some studies have suggested that regionalization also is beneficial for low risk deliveries. The aim of the present study was to investigate both the relevance of regionalization and the concentration of neonatal resources as determinants of mortality in low- and high-risk deliveries in Sweden.

[Great regional differences in quality of obstetrical care].

In Sweden antenatal care is free of charge, easily available and utilized by practically all pregnant women. The obstetrical care is of high quality and perinatal mortality among the lowest in the world. However, there is a potential for improvement, as evidenced by the regional differences in quality of care shown in this study.

Fertility and perinatal health among Finnish immigrants in Sweden.

Several studies have reported poorer infant outcome among immigrants, but contrary evidence also exists. Between 1940 and 1999 more than a half million Finns emigrated to Sweden, which made Finns the largest minority group in Sweden. Our aim was to investigate fertility trends, parturients' background and pregnancy outcomes among Finns in Sweden, and to compare the findings with those obtained among Swedes in Sweden and Finns in Finland.

Deliveries, mothers and newborn infants in Sweden, 1973-2000. Trends in obstetrics as reported to the Swedish Medical Birth Register.

Introduction: The aim of this report is to present descriptive data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register (MBR) reflecting trends in obstetric and neonatal practices over three decades.

Material: Since 1973 the MBR at the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare receives information on all pregnancies in Sweden--around 95,000 annually--that have lead to delivery regarding the pregnancy, delivery and the newborn infant. In this study selected data from the MBR are presented as they have developed between 1973 and 2000.