CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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Comparative Study
Maternal morbidity and perinatal outcomes among women in rural versus urban areas.
Most studies examining geographic barriers to maternity care in industrialized countries have focused solely on fetal and neonatal outcomes. We examined the association between rural residence and severe maternal morbidity, in addition to perinatal mortality and morbidity. ⋯ Compared with women in urban areas, those in rural areas had higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and severe neonatal morbidity, and a lower rate of NICU admission. Maternity care providers in rural regions need to be aware of potentially life-threatening maternal and perinatal complications requiring advanced obstetric and neonatal care.