[New challenges in midwifery]

The proportion of pregnant women from ethnic minorities is increasing in the Netherlands. A recent study revealed ethnic differences between pregnant women of various ethnic origins in the trajectories of pregnancy care and their preferences for the place of delivery. The correct interpretation of these data is hampered by the lack of information on a range of contextual factors such as the socioeconomic position of the pregnant women. Moreover, the data could not be linked to information on the outcome of the pregnancies, such as perinatal mortality. Although most women are satisfied with the care provided, the data indicate that steps have to be taken in the Dutch obstetric care system to anticipate the new challenges. The focus should be on early counselling, greater transparency in the quality of pregnancy care, and continuity between primary and secondary care initiatives for relevant research.