Ten years' experience in a general practice obstetric unit

Abstract

The outcomes of over 8,000 bookings in a general practice obstetric unit closely associated with a consultant unit were surveyed prospectively over a 10-year period. There was a progressive (though erratic) reduction in perinatal mortality rates for all original bookings and for final admissions in general practice care though these appeared to be at the expense of an increasing transfer rate for primiparae both during pregnancy and in labour. The performance of general practice obstetricians was also examined and the implications for the future of general practice obstetrics are discussed.