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Attributed Cause of Stillbirth. Cases
Unknown 37
Prolonged Labour—
Instrumental Delivery 10
Normal Delivery 4
Congenital Deformity of Infant 1
Difficult Breech Delivery 31
Prolapsed Cord 8
Antepartum Haemorrhage—
Accidental 11
Placenta Praevia 10
Cardiac Disease 2
Renal Disease 9
General Debility and Anaemia 9
Diabetes 1
Hydramnios 2
Twin Pregnancy 3
Syphilis 4
Shock, Accident or Worry 27
Total 169
Of the 169 Stillbirths investigated, only 71 of the mothers had
been medically examined during pregnancy. Of these 71, 8 attended
for examination once only, and failed to re-attend. The list of
attributed causes leads one to conclude that many more of these
stillbirths might have been prevented had the woman been examined
during pregnancy, and suitable measures for treatment
adopted. Further, there is a previous history of Stillbirths or
Miscarriage in '27 per cent, of the cases; complete investigation
and examination as to the possible cause might have prevented a
recurrence in the present pregnancy in a majority of cases. Home
visiting of expectant mothers by their midwives is useful; general
advice can be given, and the general condition of the mother
noted, but unless it is coupled with complete medical examination
most of its value is lost. (See page 137.)
Table showing Causes of Stillbirth in those 63 cases where more
than one Complete Medical Examination was made.
Number out of Total
Cause unknown
7
37
Prolonged Labour—
Instrumental Confinement
5
10
Normal Confinement
4
4
Breech delivery
8
31
Prolapsed Cord, transverse presentation
3
8
Ante-partum Haemorrhage—
Accidental
8
11
128