A Prospective Study of the Microbiological Environment of the Genitourinary Tract in Hong Kong Chinese Women During Pregnancy

EDITORIAL COMMENT: There seems no doubt that Chinese women have a low incidence of premature delivery (less than 37 weeks) although the 5% quoted in this paper is similar to the 5.9% for Victoria in 1992 (3,874 of 65,252 confinements). Drew and Chan have confirmed the lower incidence of prematurity in Chinese women living in Hong Kong and in Melbourne than in non-Chinese women living in MelbourneA. The Chinese women in this study had a remarkably low incidence of group B streptococcal isolation (0.8%) and a very high rate of detection of Candida (30.2%). It is of interest that the authors did not treat women with tests positive for Candida. Sexual practices could understandably influence the vaginal microbiological environment. Recently we reported on the frequency of anal intercourse and other sex practices in pregnancy in a small series from South AustraliaB. Also recently the Editor was privileged to visit a number of maternity hospitals in the Jiansu province in China. When discussing premature rupture of the membranes and prematurity we were told, repeatedly (via our interpreter), that in China it was customary to abstain totally from intercourse during pregnancy even in the absence of complications such as bleeding, ruptured membranes or evidence of infection in one or other partner. Should we disbelieve what we are told when the information seems unexpected? We need more information regarding sexual activity (frequency and route) and associated complications such as premature rupture of the membranes and otherwise uncomplicated spontaneous premature labour, so that we can advise our patients appropriately. A. Drew JH, Chan DP. Incidence of prematurity and low birth-weight in an immigrant Chinese population. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol 1989; 29: 303-305. B. Barclay LM, McDonald P, O'Loughlin JA. Sexuality and Pregnancy. An Interview Study. Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol 1994; 34: 1-7.