Obstetric care of a Southeast Asian refugee population in a midwestern community

The obstetric records of 430 Hmong and other Southeast Asian refugee women were retrospectively reviewed from January 1, 1977 to July 1, 1988. All patients gave birth in two hospitals in a midwestern community, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Lack of medical care for early pregnancy complications, late onset of obstetric care, anemia, and high rates of parasites and hepatitis occurred frequently in pregnancy. Admission in advanced labor, a low operative delivery rate (6%), and a higher prematurity rate characterized intrapartum care. Birthweight data revealed statistically significantly smaller infants after 38 weeks' gestation. Postpartum febrile morbidity and neonatal complications were rare. Cultural differences and their effects on obstetric care are discussed.