Abstract
Objective: To explore how perinatal care practice may influence labor outcomes among circumcised
women. Study design: In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 Somali immigrants and 36 Norwegian health
care professionals about their experiences from antenatal care, delivery and the management
of circumcision. Results: Circumcision was not recognized as an important delivery issue among Norwegian health
care professionals and generally the topic was not addressed antenatally. The Somalis
feared lack of experience and sub-optimal treatment at delivery. All of the women
expressed a strong fear of cesarean section. Health care professionals were uncertain
about delivery procedures for infibulated women and occasionally cesarean sections
were performed in place of defibulation. Conclusion: We hypothesize that neglect of circumcision may lead to adverse birth outcomes including
unnecessary cesarean sections, prolonged second stage of labor and low Apgar scores.
We suggest that infibulated women need a carefully planned delivery, correctly performed
defibulation and adequate pain relief.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 25,
2003
Received in revised form:
February 26,
2003
Received:
April 26,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Published by Elsevier Inc.
