Concept of regionalization of obstetric and neonatal management
MacGregor, C.; Karchmer, S.; López-García, R.
Gaceta Medica de Mexico 115(4): 161-166
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-3813 PMID: 456812 Document Number: 146809
Modern technology in the field of obstetrics has helped enormously to lower the incidence of maternal-infant mortality and morbidity. What is important at the present time is to expose an ever increasing number of expecting mothers to the advantages of modern medicine. About 10-20% of pregnancies are high risk and need specialized personnel, care, and equipment. To better distribute the cost of maternal health services in Mexico, and to better care for patients, the authors of this article propose division of services into 3 levels, from the least to the most specilized. This system presupposes an accurate selection of patients, and a careful detection of any eventual problem. The first level of medical attention can be given at a general hospital by a general practitioner, with no special equipment. The second level requires a specialized hospital, a specialist in gyneco-obstetrics, specially trained nurses, and a well equipped delivery room. The third level requires a higher degree of specialization from doctors and nurses, and a complete equipment for intensive prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care of mothers and newborns.