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Table III on page 15 sub-divides the infant deaths according to
the weeks or months at which they occurred. 63.3 per cent. of the
total deaths occurred during the first month, while 63.1 per cent.
of these occurred during the first week. Prematurity accounted
for 11 deaths, congenital malformations for 8 and pneumonia for
5. All the infant deaths were investigated.
Stillbirths.—Nineteen stillbirths, 1 of which was illegitimate,
were accredited to the district for 1935. This is equal to a deathrate
of 27.14 per 1,000 total (live and still) births registered, the
corresponding figures for 1934 being 23 stillbirths with a rate of
34.69.
It is extremely satisfactory to be able to report that the stillbirth
rate showed a decline of 7.55 during 1935.
Maternal Mortality.—The maternal mortality rate—i.e., the
number of mothers dying as the result of childbirth per 1,000
total (live and still) births—was 4.29 for 1935. This represents
3 maternal deaths, 2 of which occurred outside the district. Last
year there were 4 deaths with a corresponding rate of 6.03.
Thus the maternal mortality declined by 1.74 during 1935.
With such small total numbers it is, of course, dangerous to draw
sweeping conclusions, but at least the saving of one maternal life
out of four constitutes a modified victory.
The part-payment of midwives' fees scheme, outlined in last
year's report, is operating very satisfactorily. Each case is carefully
scrutinised, no assistance being granted unless it is considered
that the confinement can safely take place in the woman's home.
(See also page 32.)
During 1936, certain additional services were inaugurated, in
an attempt to tighten up the defences against maternal morbidity
and mortality. These included the provision of sterilized maternity
outfits at the Town Hall, the outfits being available free or at cost
price at any time of the day or night; the provision of milk for
necessitous mothers during the last six instead of the last three
months of pregnancy; and the development of a new and more
complete dental scheme for ante-natal mothers (further reference
to this will be foimd in the section dealing with maternity and child
welfare).
Steps are also being taken to make the existence of the Antenatal
Clinic better known throughout the district, in the hope that
the services which are available there and which might do much
towards preventing unnecessary suffering and even death, will be
utilised still more than is the case as present.
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