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61
STILL-BIRTHS.
Of the total notifications received under the Notification of Births
Act, 22 related to stillborn children, giving a percentage of 2.6,
compared with 3.2 in 1925. In addition, two Barking women were
delivered of stillborn infants in institutions outside the district,
so that the total number for the year was 24. One case was that of
twin pregnancy—both infants being stillborn.
Investigation of the health visitors elicited the following information
:—
(1) Duration of pregnancy:—
(a) Less than seven months 2
(b) More than seven months 22
(2) Presentation:—
(a) Vertex 19
(b) Breech 3
(c) Transverse 1
(d) Not elicited 1
(3) Supposed cause of stillbirth:—
(a) Abnormal presentation 2
(b) Overwork 4
(c) Accident, etc. 4
(d) Not known 6
(e) I11 health 7
(4) Occupation of mother :—
All the mothers were engaged in household duties at home.
In addition, one woman did an occasional day's cleaning elsewhere,
whilst one was engaged in dressmaking at home.
OPTHALMIA NEONATORUM.
There was again an increase in the number of .cases of opthalmia
neonatorum, notifications bein? 16, compared with 12 in 1925.
Thirteen of the cases occurred in the practice of midwives, the
remainder being attended by medical practitioners.