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Ante-natal Exercises for Expectant Mothers.
Recent developments in obstetrics have shown that labour is
easier and less painful, and convalescence shorter, in the case of
women who have practised certain -exercises—especially relaxation
exercises—during pregnancy.
In order to be in a position to provide the necessary facilities,
arrangements were made for a special course of instruction to be
given to local health visitors at S.E. Essex Technical College.
After the health visitors had completed the course of training,
arrangements were made for a special weekly session of one hour's
duration to be held at each of the three clinics in this area (Leyton
Green, Park House and Dawlish Road). During these sessions
instruction in ante-natal exercises is given to expectant mothers by
health visitors who have undergone a special course of training in
this work.
It is considered that these exercises are beneficial to all
primiparae, unless in cases where there is some contra-indication on
medical grounds. The best time to begin the course is from the
third to fifth month of pregnancy, and there are some 12 weekly
lessons. Classes are held at the following times :—
Leyton Green Clinic Thursdays 2.30 to 3.30 p.m.
Park House Clinic Fridays 2.30 to 3.30 p.m.
Dawlish Road Clinic Fridays 2.30 to 3.30 p.m.
The first sessions were held on Thursday and Friday, 15th and
16th January, 1953, and the domiciliary midwife who has been
booked for the confinement co-operates in the arrangements.
Early in December, 1952, a letter outlining the arrangements
had been addressed to all Leyton doctors who have undertaken to
provide maternity medical services.
Since the arrangements became available some 75 expectant
mothers have made 497 attendances ; and, as far as can be judged
from unsolicited testimonials, the facilities are much appreciated
by expectant mothers.
Child Welfare Clinics.
On page 112 will be found a Table giving detailed information
regarding the attendances of infants and children at the child
welfare clinics during the last three years.