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131
The midwives' patients present themselves a month later than the
hospital cases, attend less often and allow the last five weeks of pregnancy
to pass without coming for examination.
A good deal more than 2 or 3 visits round about the eighth month is
necessary if this work is to deserve the name of "Ante-Natal supervision.''
Notification needs to be earlier and attendance prolonged later; the former
to allow such things as malnutrition, anaemia and dental disease to be
corrected, the latter to detect the risks which may threaten mother or
child as the time for delivery approaches. The view is widely held among
the women that the seventh month is quite early enough for the first
examination. It would be of great value if midwives and hospital
authorities made it known that notification much earlier than this is
required for an assessment of general health. Examination during the
last month is compulsory for the hospital patients and could be extended
to the others on the recommendation of the midwives.
53 women were treated during pregnancy in the dental department.
R.LESLIE DODDS, M.Ch., F.R.C.S.
J.V.O'SULLIVAN, F.R.C.S., M.R.C.P.
Anaemia.
Investigation into the occurrence of anaemia continues. The percentage
of haemoglobin was recorded in 137 cases, usually at their first
attendance.
Number of Patients. Haemoglobin (Average).
44 82%
88 64%
5 42%
137
Treatment was prescribed for 123 who were seen early enough for its
effect to be observed. It consisted of general instructions on diet, coupled
with the use of iron and marmite. The results were as follows:—
Haemoglobin Anaemia.
Percentage. Improved. No change. Increased.
Above 75% 9 4 11
Between 50 and 75% 33 8 9
Below 50% 4 0 0
46 12 20