London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Battersea 1935
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Battersea Borough]
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40
Maternal Mortality.
During 1935, there were 4 deaths of women from diseases or
accidents of child-birth which is equivalent to a fatality rate of
1.84 per 1,000 births (live and still), as compared with 7 deaths
and a fatality rate of 3.15 in 1934.
The certified causes of death were:—
Puerperal sepsis Nil
Prolonged labour 1
Ruptured ectopic gestation 1
Uræmia, obstetric shock 1
Cæsarean section 1
All these deaths occurred in hospital.
In addition there was one maternal death not ascribed to
causes directly associated with the puerperium.
The rates for London and England and Wales in 1935 were
2.50 and 3.93 respectively.
Maternal Deaths in Child-birth, and Maternal Mortality Rate per 1,000 Births (Live and Still).
| Year. | Puerperal sepsis. | Other puerperal causes. | Total. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Rate. | No. | Rate. | No. | Rate. | |
| 1930 | 4 | 1.45 | 6 | 2.18 | 10 | 3.63 |
| 1931 | 5 | 1.97 | 10 | 3.93 | 15 | 5.90 |
| 1932 | 2 | 0.83 | 2 | 0.84 | 4 | 1.67 |
| 1933 | 4 | 1.72 | 1 | 0.43 | 5 | 2.15 |
| 1934 | 3 | 1.35 | 4 | 1.80 | 7 | 3.15 |
| Mean, 1930-34 | 3.6 | 1.46 | 4.6 | 1.84 | 8.2 | 3.30 |
| 1935 | — | — | 4 | 1.84 | 4 | 1.84 |
From the above table it will be noted that there was a decrease
in maternal mortality in the borough as compared with the
previous year. Following the usual procedure, and in accordance
with the instructions of the Ministry of Health, each of the 4 deaths
of Battersea mothers was fully investigated, and reports submitted
to the Ministry.
The Council has made free provision under its Maternity and
Child Welfare scheme for the ante-natal examination of expectant
mothers. Doctors and practising midwives are invited to refer
expectant mothers for examination and report by the consultant
specialist who attends the ante-natal clinics on three days weekly,
but up to the present they have failed to avail themselves of the
facilities provided by the Council for this purpose to any extent.