In a prospective study, 200 consecutive Saudi patients having their first labour and delivery were compared with 80 non-Saudi primiparae. The duration of labour and mode of delivery were similar in both groups, but the Saudis were younger, required less sedation, and had lighter babies. The perinatal mortality rate was 10 per 10,000 in the Saudis and 25 per 1,000 in the non-Saudis. Anxiety played a more significant role in the labour and delivery of the foreigners. Lifestyles rather thanracial or ethnic differences may explain differences in obstetric outcomes between different populations.