51. Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. Health Survey in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 1996: Analytical Report Series No. 3: Maternal Health in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Ramallah, 1999: 28 Pages.
In Arabic only.

This is a report of the maternal health survey, which was conducted as part of the 1996 general health survey among the Palestinian population in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The report provides information regarding the health status of mothers during pregnancy, delivery and after delivery. During the five years prior to the survey, 95% of pregnancies received health care follow-up, an average of 7 visits per pregnancy. In the report there is also information regarding the most prevalent health symptoms that pregnant women experience. A considerable percentage of women take iron, vitamins and other drugs during pregnancy, more so in the West Bank compared to the Gaza Strip. With respect to the immunization against Tetanus, results of the survey show that 50% of the women received the immunization during their last two pregnancies. Survey results show that 44% of deliveries in the last five years took place in government hospitals whereas 22% took place in private hospitals, 11% in private clinics and 10% at home. The survey results also show that 72% of deliveries took place naturally without the need for artificial labor or any surgical procedures. With respect to maternal care after delivery, a high rate of 81% of mothers did not receive any kind of health care services after delivery. This rate changes according to region of residence as well as the mother’s educational level. The two recommendations at the conclusion of the report indicate a need for more educational programs that emphasize the importance of immunizing pregnant women against Tetanus, and the need to encourage mothers to seek health care facilities especially after delivery.