This is a prospective study that examined the nature of emergency obstetric admissions in a Nigerian university hospital in association with such factors as late referrals and misdiagnoses and their contribution to maternal and perinatal morbidity/mortality. The study comprised 144 consecutive emergency obstetric admissions to the hospital over a 6.5-month period. An incidence of 13.6% emergency admissions was recorded. Despite the proximity of the hospital to the parturients, most of them laboured in substandard facilities within the community. Referrals to the university hospital were made only after prolonged delay and onset of complications. Obstetric haemorrhage (24.6%) was the most common cause for referral followed by labour disorders (19%) and hypertensive disorders (8.4%). Thirteen maternal deaths occurred, giving a maternal mortality ratio of 6.2%, while perinatal mortality rate was 461 per 1000 births. Twelve of the maternal deaths were in women living within 5 km of the hospital. There was a caesarean section rate of 50.9%, a 4.8% incidence of diagnostic laparotomy, a 9% incidence of emergency hysterectomy and 44% of emergency blood transfusions. Misdiagnoses of clinical conditions were made by the referring centres in 68% of cases, which contributed to the high maternal morbidity and mortality. Patient attitude was the main cause of non-use of teaching hospital facilities (fear of operation in 32% of cases, dissuasive advice from friends in 27.4% and negative staff attitude in 7%). A need for and type of programme that will promote increased utilisation of modern maternal health services in the community are discussed.