Author(s)

Helai Hesham¹, Marghalara Hesham², Annekathryn Goodman^3*

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
²Kabul Medical College, Kabul, Afghanistan.
³Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Division of Gynecological Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Global Disaster Response, Boston, MA, USA.

There is a worldwide increase in the rate of caesarean sections. With recent migration patterns and the influx of refugees into high-income countries, migrants and refugees are also subjected to the increase in caesarean section rates. This article explores known information about the obstetrical experiences of refugee and displaced women. Pregnancy care varies depending on the location of the displaced women. Obstetrical care in refugee centers in Greece is examined as an example of the overall challenges facing European countries as they juggle the influx of refugees. Challenges to obstetrical care include physician shortage and the ongoing economic crisis in Greece. Refugees are some of the world’s most vulnerable populations and overall their obstetrical outcomes are worse than women of the host communities. Providers in refugee centers must be supported and educated in best obstetrical practices including labor management and a judicious use of caesarean deliveries. Increased outreach and training of maternal health worker can improve reproductive healthcare for refugees in non-camp environments.

Refugee, Obstetrical Care, Perinatal Health, Refugee Camp, Caesarean Section, Displaced Populations

Hesham, H. , Hesham, M. and Goodman, A. (2019) Obstetric Care among Refugees: The Complex Interplay of Barriers to Care, Culture, Health Resources and the Healthcare Infrastructure of Host Countries. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 9, 170-185. doi: 10.4236/ojog.2019.92018.