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It is of interest to know that of 247 expectant mothers examined during the three
months March - May 1955
33% had a Haemoglobin level of over 90%
6l% had a Haemoglobin level between 70 and 90% and
6% had a Haemoglobin level below 70%
The proportion below 70# compares favourably with some published figures, but it
must be remembered that there is a greater tendency for anaemia to occur in women who have
had several children and to develop in the later stages of pregnancy. The 247 mothers
referred to Include mothers expecting their first baby as well as some with families, and
also includes mothers at different stages of pregnancy. It should be our aim to achieve
a Haemoglobin level of 90# or over at term. It is hoped to undertake more detailed surveys
of this nature, with a view to assessing how far this object can be achieved.
Chest X-rays started in 1953 for all expectant mothers have continued. Every expectant
mother attending the ante-natal clinics who has not already been X-rayed during her present
pregnancy, is offered an appointment for chest X-ray at a special session of the Mass
Miniature Radiography Unit held at one of the Welfare Centres. Mothers booked for Plaistow
Maternity Hospital and the Essex County Council Leyton Health area also attend these sessions.
Unmarried Mothers. Close co-operation has been maintained with the Moral Welfare
Worker employed by the Chelmsford Diocesan Moral Welfare Association, who Is resident in the
Borough at St.Agatha's Hostel. During the year nine West Ham mothers, who were in need of
care and accommodation, were admitted to St.Agatha's. Of these, eight were admitted before
and one after the birth of the baby. Four West Ham unmarried mothers were admitted to hostels
outside the area. When necessary the Council has contributed towards the maintenance charges.
CHILD WEIFARE
Infant Welfare Sessions. As in previous years the needs of the area have been met by
a total of 20 sessions per week held at the Municipal Centres and at the South West Ham Child
Welfare Centre. In the Silvertown area the Child Welfare Session is combined with ante-natal
and immunisation clinics, as it has been found that this is sufficient to meet the needs.
Fourteen children and 3 expectant mothers resident in neighbouring areas attended West Ham
clinics, and 8 children and 2 expectant mothers resident in West Ham are known to have
attended clinics in other areas.
Toddlers' Clinics. The 20 sessions mentioned above include the special toddlers'
clinics at which 2,898 children attended in response to the 8,006 invitations to come for
examination on their 2nd, 3rd or 4th birthday. There were 2,410 children whose general
condition was regarded as good, 451 children in whom it was recorded as fair, and 37 In
whom it was recorded as poor. In the same group of children there were 2,647 whose
cleanliness of body and clothing was recorded as good, 241 in whom it was found to be not
entirely satisfactory, and 10 in whom it was poor. There was 1 child who was found to have
infestation of the head.
Defects or deviations from normality found in the same group of children are shown
below. It includes conditions observed by the doctor or described by the mother and
recorded at the time of the examination. The classification of defect in these pre-school
children is in line with that prescribed by the Ministry of Education for school children.
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