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2. Arrangements for treating- the mother and baby before the
birth of the baby.
(a) A consultation centre for expectant mothers, that is, an
antenatal clinic, and dealing with the following:—
The history of previous confinements, e.g., abortions,
miscarriages, syphilis, lead poisoning, deformities, displacements
of the womb, and the consequent treatment
of these conditions.
The treatment of various vaginal and other discharges,
and the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum.
The testing of the urine and the prevention of
eclampsia.
The measurement of ricketty pelves, or other deformities
of the pelvic bones, interfering with labour, and the
reference of such cases to appropriate institutions.
The care of the mother's breasts and the treatment of
depressed teats.
The treatment of varicose veins, of constipation, and
of other minor ailments interfering with pregnancy.
(b) The home visitation of expectant mothers.—Arrangements
with hospitals and other institutions to supply the
Borough Council with the names of residents who apply
for maternity help.
Preparations for confinements.
The cleansing of verminous and dirty tenements.
The loan of midwifery bags, blankets, and clothing to
poor mothers.
The reference of ill-fed and very poor mothers to
Dinner Centres.
(c) The retention of beds in a lying-in institution to treat
complicated cases of pregnancy and of labour.
The causes of some of these complications have already
been indicated,