Pattern of Use of the Prenatal, Childbirth and Puerperium Care Services at a Mexican Social Insurance Institution

Abstract

Background: Maternal health is a priority in the Mexican health system, the proper planning and organization of the resources, as well as the use of the maternity care services suited to the needs of pregnant women therefore being of importance. This study is aimed at determining the pattern of use of the prenatal, childbirth and puerperium care services at a Mexican social insurance institution. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted of 403 women involved in an obstetrical medical event, with the exception of those whose clinical file was not located or who were treated at a subdistrict hospital providing a low degree of coverage of obstetrical events and in a third-level hospital. An analysis was made as to the type and frequency of use of the healthcare services in the prenatal stage, the childbirth care provided up to the immediate puerperium and the advanced puerperium stage. The information was taken from the clinical file, both at the second-level hospital as well as in family medicine and, if required, at the third-level hospital. Results: 90.8% were women whose pregnancies ended in vaginal birth or cesarean section, their prenatal care visits averaging 6.2+4.1. Prenatal care was started during the first three months by 48.6%, whilst 27.3% came in for visits 7 or more times. A total 22.4% showed both characteristics. The average number of days of hospitalization was 1.8+0.9 days. During the puerperium, office visits averaged 1.2+ 0.4. Conclusions: Less than one fourth of the population studied kept the prenatal care appointments as should have been, mention being made of areas of opportunity in childbirth care.