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Table III on page 15 sub-divides the infant deaths according
to the weeks or months at which they occurred. 67.86 per cent. of
the total deaths occurred during the first month, while 68.42 per
cent. of these occurred during the first week. Prematurity accounted
for 9 deaths, congenital malformations for 6, pneumonia for 4, and
enteritis for 4.
All the infant deaths were investigated.
Stillbirths.—Eighteen stillbirths, none of which was illegitimate,
were accredited to the district for 1937. This is equal to a
death-rate of 26.63 per 1,000 total (live and still) births registered,
the corresponding figures for 1936 being 23 stillbirths with a rate
of 34.43.
The decrease shown in the stillbirth rate is very welcome, as
is also the fact that the figure of 18 is one of the lowest recorded in
Southgate for a number of years.
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 4.44 for 1937. This represents 3
maternal deaths all of which occurred outside the district. Last
year there was one death with a corresponding rate of 1.49.
As noted elsewhere in this report, it would be unwise to attempt
to draw any important conclusions from these figures. One
additional maternal death raises our maternal mortality rate
quite out of proportion to the causal circumstances. It is also
significant to note that all the deaths occurred outside the district.
We must nevertheless take every precaution to ensure the safety of
our expectant mothers, as only in this way can these tragedies be
prevented.
Mortality of "Toddlers"—i.e., children between the ages of
1 and 5 years. Amongst children of 1 to 5 years of age there were
4 deaths during 1937. This represents a corrected death-rate of
0.06 per 1,000 of the total population, and 0.56 per cent. of the
total deaths for the year, at all ages. In 1936 there were 5 deaths,
giving a rate of 0.08 and a percentage of 0.79. It will thus be seen
that the figures show a slight fall.
Mortality of Persons over the age of 65.—It will be observed
from Table II, on page 14, that appreciably more than 50 per
cent. of the total deaths occurring during the year took place in
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