Patterns of antenatal care, perinatal mortality, and birth-weight in three consultant obstetric units.

Patterns of antenatal care in three selected consultant units in Britain have been analysed. The study shows that antenatal care operates differently in the three hospitals. Pregnancies resulting in perinatal deaths may not always receive appropriate obstetric care. Patients appear to be at an advantage if they receive consultant-unit care at some stage of their pregnancy.