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140
Still Births.
During 1937, 108 still births were registered in respect of
Croydon, but of these 16 were outward transfers to other districts.
There were 2 inward transfers, giving a total of 94 for the area.
Of these 54 were male babies and 40 female; 1 female was illegitimate.
The proportion of still births to living children was as 1
to 35. The still birth rate was 2.8 per cent. of the total births.
The rate in 1936 was 3.8 per cent.
The still birth rate, on the same basis as for Infant Mortality,
was 28.0 per 1,000 births.
STILL BIRTHS, 1937.
Attended by Midwives alone 28
,, Doctors alone 6
,, Midwives and Doctors 39
Occurred at 9 months 45
,, 8 months 19
,, 6-7 months 11
An Analysis of 76 Still Births Occurring During the Year.
Of the 76 still births investigated 42 were males and 33
females, while in one case sex was not stated.
Type of Delivery.—In 26 cases the confinement was difficult
or prolonged. Noimal confinement was noted in 46 cases; no
information was obtainable in 4 cases.
Age of Mother.—Under 20 years, 1; between 20 and 29 years,
. 38; between 30 and 39 years, 32; between 40 and 49 years, 4.
The Health of the Mother during her pregnancy was stated
to be good in 59 cases and indifferent or poor in 11 cases; no
particulars were obtained in 6 cases. In 6 cases, however, the
mother had had a shock or fall before the still birth. In 36
instances the mother had attended the Ante-Natal Clinic. 39
cases had never attended the Clinic.
Attendance at Confinement.—Twenty-six of the still births
investigated occurred in the Mayday Hospital; 13 in St. Mary s
Hospital; 17 were attended in their own homes by a private
medical practitioner either alone or in conjunction with a midwife;
9 were attended by a midwife alone, and 1 birth occurred
before any skilled help was available; 7 occurred in private
nursing homes.
Forceps were reported to have been utilised in 18 of the cases.