Qualitative study of perinatal care experiences among Somali women and local health care professionals in Norway (2004)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Vangen Siri,R. Elise B. Johansen,Johanne Sundby,Bente Træen,and Babill Stray-Pedersen
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: Perinatal care.
Objective: To explore how perinatal care practice may influence labor outcomes among circumcised women.
Study Population: Somali immigrants who had undergone circumcision and had experinced child birth in Norway,and Norwegian health care professionals
Findings: 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. 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.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Europe
Country(ies):Norway