London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Brentford and Chiswick 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Brentford and Chiswick]
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Case (3) was a woman who had two previous confinements
and each time had serious complications with narrow escapes.
She was strongly advised not to have any more children, as
she also had a marked heart lesion with kidney disease. For
some time she used a prescribed contraceptive, but unfortunately
was eventually persuaded to discontinue the use on
religious grounds.
Case (4) attended the Ante-natal Clinic regularly and with
the exception of mild discomfort from Varicose Veins appeared
to be in a satisfactory condition up to the time of her
confinement.
The following Table shows the number of deaths connected with pregnancy during the last ten years:—
| Year | Died from Sepsis | Died from other causes connected with pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | 1 | 1 |
| 1930 | 4 | 2 |
| 1931 | 1 | 3 |
| 1932 | 1 | 1 |
| 1933 | 3 | 2 |
| 1934 | 1 | 3 |
| 1935 | - | — |
| 1936 | 2 | 3 |
| 1937 | - | - |
| 1938 | 2 | 2 |
| 15 | 17 |
This shows an average of 3.2 per year for the last ten years.
Institutional Provision for Mothers and Children.
Other than the Maternity Hospital under the control of
the Joint Hospitals Committee, the Council make no actual
provision for institutional treatment for mothers and children.
Such requirement is, however, adequately met by the Hospitals
under the control of the Middlesex County Council, as well as
the local voluntary Hospitals, who are always willing to accept
recommended cases.
Midwives Act, 1936.
The Middlesex County Council is the Supervising Authority
for the Borough, and Queen Charlotte's Hospital undertakes
the Domiciliary treatment of Midwifery.