Obstetric care in a rural family practice.
Obstetrical care in the United States is becoming more difficult for rural populations to obtain. Fewer family physicians are providing obstetrical services. This study is a report of one family physician's obstetric experience in a small rural town. In a series of 67 obstetrical patients, 8 percent of the deliveries occurred outside of the hospital. The rate of Cesarean section was 3 percent, significantly less than the greater than 20 percent national average. There was 1 premature delivery, and no infant deaths. These figures compare well with national averages and show the need for family physicians to provide obstetrical care in rural areas.
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics; D011247:Pregnancy; D012424:Rural Population