London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Poplar 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Poplar, Metropolitan Borough]
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127
Maternal Deaths.—The investigation of maternal deaths was carried
out as in previous years on the lines suggested by the Ministry of Health.
There were 7 maternal deaths, and the mortality rate was 2.5 per 1,000 live births.
| Cause of Death. | Attended at home by | Treated in Institution. | Number of previous Pregnancies. | If attended Antenatal Clinic. | Condition of Child. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Puerperal Septicaemia | Midwife | Yes | 9 | Yes | Alive. |
| 2. Puerperal Septicaemia | Midwife (B.B.A.) | Yes | 7 | No | Alive. |
| 3. Puerperal Septicaemia Placenta praevia | — | Yes | 5 | No | Stillborn |
| 4. General Peritonitis Caesarean Section. Contracted Pelvis. | — | Yes | Nil | Yes | Alive. |
| 1. Inversion of Uterus | — | Yes | Nil | Yes | Alive. |
| 2. Shock; Rupture of Uterus; Delivery of child | — | Yes | 7 | Yes | Alive. |
| 3. Postpartum uterine haemorrhage; Uterine atony; Multiparity | Doctor | No | 7 | No | Stillborn |
The Council have given serious consideration to the question of
maternal mortality, and for some years past arrangements have been
made with a Consulting Obstetrician to visit cases of Puerperal Fever
and Puerperal Pyrexia in consultation with general practitioners. During
the year two consultations were held.
During the year the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee considered
Circular 1,167 and Memorandum 156 MCW, and upon their
recommendation the Council extended the Maternity and Child Welfare
Scheme in the following respects:—
1. Increased the number of ante-natal clinics held at Wellington
Road.
2. Arranged for part payment of midwives' fees provided the income
fell below a scale already approved, but irrespective of whether
the applicant would be receiving maternity benefit.