[Comparative study of the quality of prenatal care at health centers and hospitals].

The quality of prenatal care offered in health centers (HC) and in the hospital (H) have been compared. Two samples were evaluated. One consisted of 476 pregnant women seen in HC and another of 213 who were seen in H. Five out of the 22 selected markers did not show differences in both levels (date of delivery; weight gain in g/week; measurement of uterine weight and height; and hypertension detection). Ten markers were better fulfilled in H than in HC (obstetrical formula; gynecological examination, fetal heart beats and edema examination; detection of diabetes, urinary tract infection and anemia). By contrast, there were seven markers that were better fulfilled in HC (serological tests for syphilis and hepatitis B; treatment of urinary tract infection and anemia; and compliance with follow up). The better fulfillment of the markers in H might be due to the recent inclusion of prenatal care programs in HC. The fact that in the first level of care the controls are earlier and more frequent shows that this level facilitates the access of pregnant women to services and their follow up.