The quality of perinatal care received by patients in the Greater Harare area during 1973.

The perinatal deaths which occurred during 1973 in the Harare perinatal service were analysed in relation to their obstetric associations. Seventy-one per cent of all the deaths were associated with just five obstetric complications, namely asphyxia in laubour, preterm delivery, minor antepartum haemorrhage, unexplained intra-uterine death and disproportion. It is suggested that asphyxial deaths occurring labour will only be eliminated when continous cardiotocographic monitoring becomes standard practice for all patients. Until then, selected cardiotocography will remain as the main diagnostic aid. Its value will be improved by reviewing the principles of selection. The potential exists to eliminate preterm delivery by the use of beta-adrenergic stimulant drugs. It is suggested that the rational application of this potential would reduce perinatal mortality from preterm delivery. The unexplained intra-uterine deaths and those associated with a minor antepartum haemorrhage presented major problems of understanding and therefore management. These are discussed. Deaths associated with disproportion occurred in 0,10% of booked patients and 3,22% of unbooked patients. The management of the booked patient is satisfactory, and improvement in perinatal mortality will only be achieved by decreasing the number of unbooked patients.