Abstract
This five-year cross-sectional study mapped the prevalence of several known risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes in asylum-seeking women in The Netherlands. Characteristics of 2831 registered childbirths among residents of asylum seekers centers (ASCs) in The Netherlands from 2016 to 2020 were included. Results showed a high general and teenage birthrate (2.15 and 6.77 times higher compared to the Dutch, respectively). Most mothers were pregnant upon arrival, and the number of births was highest in the second month of stay in ASCs. Another peak in births between 9 and 12 months after arrival suggested that many women became pregnant shortly after arrival in The Netherlands. Furthermore, 69.5 percent of all asylum-seeking women were relocated between ASCs at least once during pregnancy, which compromises continuity of care. The high prevalence of these risk factors in our study population might explain the increased rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes in asylum seekers compared to native women found in earlier studies. Incorporating migration-related indicators in perinatal health registration is key to support future interventions, policies, and research. Ultimately, our findings call for tailored and timely reproductive and perinatal healthcare for refugee women who simultaneously face the challenges of resettlement and pregnancy.
Highlights
IntroductionHealth equity among women and their babies during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period is under serious pressure in a migration context [1,2]
With the use of a unique database, this study aimed to present an overview of childbirths among women in Dutch asylum seekers centers (ASCs) and assess the prevalence of several previously described risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes
After first registration and short-term stay in a central reception center, asylum seekers will be relocated to an ASC
Summary
Health equity among women and their babies during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period is under serious pressure in a migration context [1,2]. Asylum seekers represent a specific migrant population who may face higher rates of several adverse maternal health outcomes, such as postnatal complications and postpartum depression, as well as adverse perinatal outcomes, such as stillbirth and low birthweight, compared to native populations [3,4,5,6]. In The Netherlands, a recent study demonstrated a 7 times higher risk of perinatal mortality (defined as death between 22 weeks of pregnancy and 7 days postpartum) among 4.0/).
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