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Peri-natal deaths
9,898 mothers were confined at home ; of these 801 were primiparae and 9,097 multiparae.
Of 10,057 babies born, there were 88 still-births and 52 neo-natal deaths in the
first week of life, i.e., a still-birth rate of 8.8 and a peri-natal death rate of 13.9 per 1,000
live and still births. The figure for neo-natal deaths is not necessarily complete as the
deaths of all babies transferred to hospital are not included. The still-birth and peri-natal
rates for all London births are 20.3 and 34.8 respectively (see pages 12 and 18). In this
respect the domiciliary service compares very favourably but it must be borne in mind
that cases with forseeable complications and those developing complications during
pregnancy or labour are more likely to be found in hospital confinements.
Still-births
Macerated 35
Fresh 53
88
Prematurity was a cause in 33 cases ; congenital defects were recorded in 17 cases ;
intrapartum causes were present in 24 cases. Of the neo-natal deaths in the first week,
26 were of premature babies. It will be seen that prematurity was a cause in about
one-third of the peri-natal deaths, which is the same as the national experience (see
Page 12).
Emergency
obstetric
unit
The emergency obstetric unit was called out 141 times. Most or the calls were for
maternal causes, mainly post-partum haemorrhage, but 14 calls were made on behalf
of the baby. In 61 per cent, of cases the unit reached the home in under 30 minutes.
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