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111
who require it. Instruction is also given as to the necessary arrangements
being carried out in preparation for the coming baby. The usual
routine examination of the patient is made, including examination of the
water and the estimation of the blood pressure. Antenatal work is also
extensively carried out at Guy's Hospital and the York Road Lying-in
Hospital, so that this work in the Borough is well established and will
expand as opportunity arises.
MATERNAL MORTALITY
The number of deaths in 1930, due directly to pregnancy or childbirth
was 9.
Of these 7 were due to septic causes, and 2 from other causes.
The question of the number of women dying annually as a result of
pregnancy has been a matter of great consideration during the year by
the Ministry of Health and private bodies interested in this question, on
account of the fact that, although infantile mortality has declined
considerably during the past forty years, the maternal deaths have not
diminished in numbers.
This is also the case as regards Southwark, as an analysis of the
figures since 1901 shows no tendency to reduction of this cause of death.
About half of these deaths were obviously unavoidable, but among the
other half many should not have occurred.
A Select Committee of experts held many meetings under the
auspices of the Ministry of Health, and issued much useful information
in a published report of their proceedings.
The most important factors among those suggested by the report are
the fuller developement of antenatal teaching and clinics for expectant
mothers, the more frequent employment of trained midwives, and the
detection before birth of anything that might interfere with a normal
healthy confinement.
It is gratifying to note a slight fall in 1929 and 1930, which may be
due to the prominence given to the question and may lead to a permanent
diminution of the persistent high mortality from circumstances
accompanying child birth.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT TREATMENT.
The arrangement with Guy's Hospital whereby Ultra Violet Rays
are applied to ailing and delicate children is still carried on, and during