View report page

3
BIRTHS.
Illegitimate Births.—The percentage of illegitimate children born during 1914-18 was 8.2,
increasing irregularly from 6.2 per cent in 1914 to 10.4 in 1918. In 1919 the proportion fell
to 9.7 per cent. and was even lower (7.1 per cent.) in 1920. In the statement following this
paragraph the percentages of illegitimate births to all births recorded in the separate Wards
are compared with the averages for 1914-18. The 1919-20 records for two Lancaster Gate
Wards alone compare unfavourably with the averages.

Somewhat interesting variations have to be recorded in the proportions of male to female
births among legitimate and illegitimate children. For every 1,000 births of boys there were—
954 of girls among legitimate children born during 1914-18, and
971 „ „ illegitimate;
974 „ „ legitimate children born during 1919, and
899 „ „ illegitimate; and
901 „ „ legitimate children born during 1920, and
1101 „ „ illegitimate.
No explanation can be offered for the proportions here recorded.
Births in Institutions.—Of the 11,224 births registered in the Borough during 1914-18,
692 (6T per cent.) took place in various institutions, viz.—
458 in Poor Law Institutions,
201 in Nursing (Maternity) Homes, and
33 in the Lock Hospital.
During 1919-20 529 births (101 per cent. of the total, 5,197) occurred in such institutions,
viz.—
198 in Nursing (Maternity) Homes,
192 in the Lock Hospital, and
28 in Poor Law Institutions.
During 1914-18 the births occurring in outlying areas transferred to the Borough, numbered
1,584, of which 1,426 (90.0 per cent.) were reported as having occurred in institutions, viz.—
1287 in Maternity Hospitals and Homes and Rescue Homes,
64 in General Hospitals, and
75 in Poor Law Institutions.
During 1919-20 937 births were similarly transferred, 713 (76'0 per cent.) having occurred
in institutions, viz.—
486 in Maternity Hospitals and Homes, and Rescue Homes,
33 in General Hospitals
194 in Poor Law Institutions.
The extent to which resort to institutions for confinements has increased in the past
seven years is clearly shown by the subjoined tabulation. This form of institutional treatment
is believed to be advantageous both to the mothers and their children. With the increase in
the number of families living in small flats, maisonettes and tenements, a larger proportion of
expectant mothers may be expected to leave their homes for confinements.

Notes.—The headings have the same meanings as in text.
Maternity Wards were opened at the Lock Hospital (1918)
and at St. Mary's Hospital (1920).
The Lying-in Wards at Paddington Infirmary have been
closed since the end of 1918.