The screening rate for STIs in 6795 women who had a baby at Middlemore Hospital in 2009 was retrospectively determined. Only 64.3% of these women were screened for an STI during their pregnancy, despite requirements by the Ministry of Health for screening all pregnant women. Swab testing was done by significantly fewer independent maternity providers than DHB-based LMCs (54.0% vs 71.3%; p<0.0001). A higher proportion of Māori and Pacific women were screened compared to other groups and younger women were screened more compared to older women. The STI prevalence rate was high, especially in young Māori and Pacific women. Of all women screened, 8.2% had chlamydia, 2.2% had trichomonas and 0.2% had gonorrhoea. There were higher rates of chlamydia and trichomonas in Māori and Pacific women in comparison to European and Asian women. Prevention and detection of STIs in pregnancy requires education of both women and LMCs.
