London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Hammersmith 1933
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith Borough]
This page requires JavaScript
26
Maternal Deaths.—During the year eight maternal
deaths occurred, six from Puerperal Sepsis and two from
other accidents and diseases of pregnancy and parturition.
Special enquiry was made and particulars obtained in
accordance with the form presented by the Committee
appointed by the Ministry of Health.
The reports contain full information as to—
(1) Previous pregnancies, with particulars of complications,
if any.
(2) Ante-natal care, including number of consultations
and examination of urine, with the result.
(3) Description of Labour and Puerperium.
(4) Remarks of Medical Officer of Health.
Special information is obtained in cases of abortion,
toxaemias of pregnancy, hæmorrhage, difficult labour and
puerperal sepsis.
The number of Maternal Deaths during the past fourteen years is as follows:—
| Year. | Number of Deaths | Number of Births. | Maternal Death Rate. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerperal Sepsis. | Other Accidents of Pregnancy. | |||
| 1920 | 6 | 5 | 3,312 | 3·3 |
| 1921 | 2 | 10 | 2,779 | 4·3 |
| 1922 | 4 | 5 | 2,758 | 3·3 |
| 1923 | 5 | 3 | 2,701 | 3·0 |
| 1924 | 4 | 4 | 2,399 | 3·3 |
| 1925 | 6 | 7 | 2,351 | 5·5 |
| 1926 | 3 | 4 | 2,188 | 3·2 |
| 1927 | 3 | 4 | 2,076 | 3·4 |
| 1928 | 5 | 5 | 2,258 | 4·4 |
| 1929 | 5 | 2 | 2,162 | 3·3 |
| 1930 | 4 | 5 | 2,173 | 4·1 |
| 1931 | 2 | 5 | 2,073 | 3·4 |
| 1932 | 3 | 4 | 1,940 | 3·6 |
| 1933 | 6 | 2 | 1,827 | 4·4 |
It will be observed that the Maternal Mortality has
remained almost stationary.