Antenatal care in general practice, Trondheim, Norway

Abstract

In this study from the city of Trondheim during 1979-81 nulliparae were found to be younger, higher educated, and more actively working outside the home than parous women. Most women were examined by their GP during the first trimester, and were seen about 10 times on average during the pregnancy. Women who smoked tended to consult later in pregnancy than the non-smokers. Drug were prescribed for 33% of the women during their pregnancy, 10% during the first trimester. Medication was most frequently prescribed for genitourinary disorders. Sick leave was often the result of low-back-pain and lasted on average 5 weeks longer in parous women. Hospitalization was most often due to hypertension and threatened premature labour and lasted on average longer among nulliparae. Controlled trials are needed to evaluate future antenatal care provision in the light of pregnancy outcome. © 1989 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.