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
West Ham 1933
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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| Notified Cause of Death | Age of Mother | Pregnancy | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legitimate | illegitimate | |||
| (1) Peritonitis following septic absorption after abortion. | 42 | Yes | — | No antenatal care. Patient did not realise she was pregnant. |
| (2) Septicaemia following abortion | 18 | — | Yes | No antenatal care. Concealed pregnancy. |
| (3) Puerperal Sepsis | 28 | Yes | — | Normal full-time confinement. Regular antenatal supervision. |
| (4) Septicaemia and miscarriage | 39 | Yes | — | No antenatal care. Did not know she was pregnant. |
| (5) Septicemia and miscarriage | 21 | — | Yes | Concealed pregnancy. No antenatal supervision. |
The above table is striking in that four out of the five deaths
from puerperal sepsis occurred after miscarriage in the early
weeks of pregnancy. This complication of pregnancy is far too
lightly regarded by the women themselves, who frequently continue
their daily duties and do not consider that medical aid or
nursing is necessary. This should also serve to illustrate the
folly of attempting to induce abortion, a practice that is all too
prevalent in every area of the Borough, and a practice of whose
dangers it is very difficult to convince the mothers.
| Notified Cause of Death | Age of Mother | Pregnancy | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legitimate | illegitimate | |||
| (1) Haemorhage due to ruptured extra uterine pregnancy | 35 | Yes | — | Did not know she was pregnant: (pregnancy only 3 weeks). |
| (2) Eclampsia | 20 | — | Yes | Concealed pregnancy: no antenatal care. |
| (3) Pulmonary Embolism in puerperium: premature labour 30 weeks. Albuminuria of pregnancy with high blood pressure | 27 | Yes | — | Regular antenatal supervision. |