Abstract

PIP: This study analyzes the obstetric cases seen by 1 consultant firm at the Riyadh Military Hospital in Saudi Arabia between December 4, 1978-July 1, 1979. Of 487 patients referred to the booking clinic by primary care physicians, only 384 patients attended. Many patients were advanced in pregnancy when seen in the primary care department and were seen by the obstetricians only when admitted to the labor floor. A retrospective analysis of the notes was made and the results assessed of those patients under the care of 1 consultant firm. Patients attending the antenatal clinic underwent the routine investigations and clerking procedures. Iron deficient anemia was rarely seen (2.6%), and the need for iron or vitamin replacements was based on hematological indices. Megaloblastic anemia was detected in only 1 case. Very few abnormal hemoglobinopathies (1.6%) were found. Diabetes and rheumatic and congenital cardiac disease were occasionally seen. Grand multiparity was common, although very few problems arose. The incidence of mild preeclampsia was 2.6%, compared with 20-30% for the U.K. It was rarely necessary to resort to surgical induction for suspected post-maturity. The incidence of preterm infants was between 4.7-5%. Salbutamol was used in the obstetric unit, being the only available beta-adrenergic agonist for the suppression of uterine activity. Patients were not adverse to taking tablets during pregnancy, but they were aware that drugs can reach the baby through the mother's milk. There was no major problem with the predominantly male medical staff. Contraception was freely discussed in the clinics and wards. Patients in higher social classes found it fully acceptable, but those in lower classes always insisted on discussions with the male partner and rarely was it accepted. Hospital delivery was acceptable to many patients, yet others gave birth at home and were ignorant of the hospital facilities available. A reasonable perinatal mortality rate is reported (15/1000) but the study does not consider those patients not attending the new hospital for delivery.