A recent article in HealthDay News described a study that showed wide disparities in the rates of obstetrical complications in hospital across the U.S. The study reviewed outcomes in more than 750,000 deliveries. Surprisingly, in some instances the complication rate varied by up to five times between medical centers.

For example, lacerations from cesarean section deliveries, bleeding problems, and infections occurred at a rate of 21 percent in low-performing hospitals, compared to 4.4 percent in the higher-performing centers. So whether a mother or a child will suffer a birth-related problem at delivery will depend to a large extent on where the delivery occurs.

The study authors are advocating a national quality-reporting system so that repeat problems as well as “best practices” can be identified, and can be used as a tool to improve quality in the lowest-performing medical centers. They noted that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in conjunction with the American Society of Anesthesiologists, are developing such a plan.