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96
The following table gives an analysis of the pre-maternal
cases found to be slightly or seriously abnormal:—
Contracted pelvis 11
Albuminuria 20
Hyperemesis gravidarum 4
Ante-partum haemorrhage 4
Malpresentation 9
Cervicitis 4
Valvular disease of heart 7
Varicose veins 13
Phlebitis 1
Anæmia 4
Bronchitis 1
Pulmonary tuberculosis 1
It is satisfactory to note that during this year a larger number
of cases attending the Ante-natal Clinic were sent by midwives,
but I would again urge the necessity of midwives taking more
advantage of the Clinic, and bringing their cases for medical
examination and advice, for though many midwives carry out
ante-natal supervision with care and accuracy, conditions may be
present or develop which can only be discovered by medical examination.
The detection and treatment of these conditions would
minimise many dangers and prevent unavoidable difficulties at the
confinement, thus safeguarding both mother and child.
Expectant mothers are visited by the Health Visitors in their
homes and given advice regarding arrangements for confinement
and general hygiene of the mother.
The following-up of cases also ensures regular attendance at
the Clinic.
During 1936, 618 visits were paid to expectant mothers.
Maternity Accommodation
Under the provision of the Maternity and Child Welfare Act
1918, empowering Local Authorities to make arrangements for
the institutional treatment of complicated midwifery cases, and for
women whose homes are unsuitable for their confinements, the
East Ham County Borough Council have provisional arrangements
for the accommodation of necessitous cases requiring in-