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
Bexley 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bexley]
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CHILD HEALTH
LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES
Low birth weight may be the consequence of a short gestation or slower foetal growth.
Prematurity, defined only in terms of weight is now considered to be less accurate. Birth weight
becomes more useful when related to gestational age.
The following tables give further details:—
| Number | Weight Category | Deaths within 28 days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Livebirths Born at home | 11 | 2001—2500 grammes | |
| Born at home transferred to hospital | 3 | (a) 2001 —2500 grammes (2 babies) (b) 1001—2000 grammes (1 baby) | 1 |
| Born in hospital | 198 | (a) 2001—2500 grammes (138 babies) | 5 |
| (b) 1001—2000 grammes (50 babies) | 9 | ||
| (c) 1000 grammes or less (10 babies) | 10 | ||
| TOTAL | 212 | TOTAL | 25 |
| Stillbirths | |||
| Born at home | 1 | 1501—2000 grammes | |
| Born in hospital | 19 | (a) 2001—2500 grammes (2 babies) (b) 1001—2000 grammes (16 babies) (c) 1000 grammes or less (1 baby) |