The obstetric scene in Cape Town, 1974-1983. A ray of demographic hope

The age and parity distributions of all black and coloured maternity patients whose babies were delivered by the Peninsula Maternal and Neonatal Service in Cape Town in 1974 were compared with those for the trienniums 1978 - 1980 and 1981 - 1983. The numbers and percentages of teenage pregnancies, grand multiparas and pregnancies in women greater than 34 years were analysed. Over the decade there was no change in these three demographic parameters among blacks. In contrast there was a marked decline in the percentage and number of grand multiparas and a slight decrease in the percentage of women over 34 years among the coloured patients. The prevention of teenage pregnancies must remain the major demographic priority in Cape Town.