Routine prenatal care in Europe: the comparative experience of nine departments of gynaecology and obstetrics in eight different countries.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare routine prenatal care in nine European obstetrics and gynaecology departments.


METHODS
A survey was performed between October 1992 and November 1993 by means of a questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 118 questions covering clinical examinations and investigations systematically performed during the pregnancy.


RESULTS
The survey revealed a certain number of differences between the types of prenatal care performed by each department. Thus, one notices differences to do the serological testing (toxoplasmosis, AIDS and hepatitis B) at the first visit and in the practice of vaginal examination, systematic ultrasound examination or cardiotocography.


CONCLUSIONS
The differences observed in the prenatal care furnished are only a reflection of our uncertainties concerning the validity of the various tests used to monitor pregnancies. At a time when financial restrictions impose choices, we consider an evaluation of the efficacy and cost of prenatal care to be essential.
Langer
B
B
Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique II, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France. langebruno@aol.com
Caneva
M P
MP
Schlaeder
G
G
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D015148:Cardiotocography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006029:Glycosuria; D006176:Gynecology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011507:Proteinuria; D012698:Serologic Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014621:Vagina