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PERINATAL DEATHS
The number of still births, which has tended to be above the
London average, is now nearer to the trend for the country as a
whole.
Deaths in the first week of life, although showing slight variations
over the last few years, have remained at a fairly constant
figure. When, however, the causes of these deaths are analysed, it
is seen that the preponderance occurs in 3 main groups, accounting
for 128 deaths during the last nine years. The main causes of death
are classified in the table hereunder.
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
13
-
-
1
4
-
1
Congenital
Malformations
4
5
Birth Injuries,
Post Natal
Asphyxia and
Atelectasis
1
5
7
4
4
4
4
9
1
9
2
Other Causes
6
7
11
7
8
3
8
Among "Other Causes" is included a number of still births said
to be due to prematurity. This term is not specific and may include
at least some cases of induced abortion although, of course, this
would be difficult to prove.
In 1949, 13 children were born with congenital defects of such
severity that they died. The incidence of these defects has, however,
declined in subsequent years, only 5 having been recorded in 1957.
It will be observed that there was a total of 39 cases in the second
category. Although there has been much research into these causes
of infant deaths they must in all fairness be considered as an adverse
reflection on the standard of obstetric and paediatric practice. Considering
si the matter from the woman's point of view, it is hard indeed
if, after nine months care and attention, all her efforts are to be
fruitless. Prematurity, post-maturity and the relationship to antenatal
morbidity are all aspects of the problem which merit careful
study.