Influence of place of delivery on immediate perinatal outcomes: a study from Northern India

One hundred and six women giving birth in a rural hospital in Northern Indi a were compared with 100 women delivering in a tertiary care urban hospital located in an adjacent state. The women in the rural hospital were younger and more likely to be multiparous. Their antenatal course was characterize d by fewer antenatal check-ups, significantly lower haemoglobin values, but equal weight gain during pregnancy. They were more likely to have a sponta neous vaginal delivery, and less likely to undergo caesarean section and ep isiotomy. Neonatal birth weights were lower in the rural group; other indic es of neonatal well-being were comparable.