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26
The use in the last year of the sphygmomanometer has resulted
in the earlier detection of toxaemia in pregnancy by the increase
of blood pressure. All these cases were immediately dieted, meat
and eggs being excluded and rest recommended, as a result about
half the cases never developed any untoward symptoms. If
definite symptoms appeared, the women were at once referred to
their own doctor or to hospital. One case was admitted for treatment
during pregnancy. All were given the option of being
confined in hospital. In only one case did the symptoms persist
after parturition and this turned out to be a case of chronic
nephritis.
It is very necessary that a liberal supply of milk should be
available for pregnant mothers especially when meat and eggs
are excluded. During the last months of the year a dried milk
with the addition of iron has been tried for ante-natal mothers.
As many of the women are anaemic this addition of iron should
be very valuable and since the preparation is unsuited for general
use, it ensures the mother getting the whole amount to herself.
Unfortunately it is not so palatable as fresh milk and its success
remains to be seen.
1 should like to emphasise the great value of dental treatment
during pregnancy. Apart from the hygienic result and the
possible prevention of " droplet " infection, many mothers with
bad carious teeth showed increased blood pressure and toxaemia.
The result of extractions was often remarkable, within a few weeks
of treatment the blood pressure fell within normal limits and the
mothers felt better than they had done for many months.
The effect of ante-natal clinics 011 maternal mortality is
difficult to assess but 1 am convinced that there is much less illhealth
and misery during pregnancy when the advice and simple
remedies that can be given at the clinic are available.
In this connection the following table will no doubt be of
great interest:—