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one of the latter had a premature induction of labour and the baby did not survive. All the mothers
made good recoveries.
(8) Eleven patients (three primigravidæ, eight multiparæ) showed a rise of blood pressure during
pregnancy without albuminuria or toxæmic symptoms, the systolic pressure in one case being as
high as 180. The three primigravidæ all had small and weakly babies; in one case labour was six
weeks premature. The eight multiparæ had normal confinements and healthy babies. The patients
were treated by diet but in no case was it thought necessary to consider a premature induction of
labour.
D.—Miscellaneous.
(1) One patient was found to have an abdominal tumour which she had thought to be a
pregnancy; this was removed in hospital.
(2) Four patients were given advice for sterility and are being kept under observation.
(3) Post-natal examinations discovered cases of chronic nephritis, mitral regurgitation,
subinvolution, retroflexion, cervicitis, prolapse and breast abscess. There were also numerous
cases of debility after the confinement needing medical treatment.
It is an undoubted fact that a careful post-natal examination is of very great importance in
improving the health of the mothers and it is hoped to extend this work in the future to include
every case attending the clinics.
From the above record it is clear that, in addition to her work in educating expectant
working-class mothers in hygiene and dietetics, which is so essential a part of the public health
service, Dr. Russell, the ante-natal medical officer, performed a large amount of valuable obstetric
work which certainly made many confinements easier and safer, prevented a good deal of subsequent
invalidity, and probably saved the lives of some mothers.