London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Wembley 1941

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wembley]

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is prematurity. This is the greatest single
factor in human mortality and possibly in human
illness and so far it has not had the systematic
study it deserves. While it is known that in the
mother toxaemia, hydramnios and multiple pregnancy
are the causes of premature confinement, and much
research has been done on the prevention and
treatment of illness in the ante-natal mother, the
effect of such conditions on the unborn child are
not yet understood to the same extent.
In America (Chicago) it has lately been
claimed that the infant mortality rate has been
reduced to the 20's instead of remaining in the
50's by giving special consideration to the provision
of facilities for "immature" infants under 5 lbs. in
weight at birth. Such provision appears to consist
of full hospital facilities for the mother and
premature baby with adequate warned conveyance and
specially trained staff and equipment on arrival at
the hospital. New Zealand has also been giving
special attention to the problem. Material reduction
in the infant mortality rate must now depend
upon research into the cause of the premature infant
end its prevention or treatment.
Maternal Mortality.
Three deaths from puerperal sepsis were
recorded in 1941, and four deaths occurred from
other puerperal causes.

Rate per 1,000 total births (Live and Still) 1937-1941

Year.Wembley.England & Wales.
19371.033.11
19381.552.97
19396.152.93
19402.632.16
19414.192.23

Maternal Mortality during 5 years (9029 births -
28 Maternal Deaths)
3.10
Marriages.
In Churches 1,035
At Registry Office 336
14.