Psychosomatic obstetrics in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe

Womens' experiences of pregnancy and birth in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are explored in this paper. Most of these countries are in transition from a totalitarian system of government to that of democracy. The implications of this re-orientation are many. Not least of all are the changes taking place in health care systems in general, as well as in maternal-child health care in particular. This paper reviews the current state of some perinatal care systems in these countries. It is not a research paper: it reflects observations and recommendations arising from humanitarian aid service in these countries and from available literature.