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The infant mortality rate is the second lowest on record for West Ham. With the
inclusion of 3 babies whose bodies were found in the area, (with no indication that they
were actually West Ham babies) the rate is still only 0.1 above last year's record figure.
The stillbirth rate (19.3) is the lowest on record, but is only Just below the rate
for 1949 (19.8). The causes of stillbirths are often difficult to assess, and some,
though known, are difficult to prevent. There is little doubt however that the standard
of obstetrics and in particular of ante-natal care, are important factors. The credit
for this year's low rate must go to all those concerned with the maternity services, and
they would probably be the first to agree that there is still room for improvement.
This year's stillbirth, infant mortality, neonatal and maternal mortality rates
for West Ham are all below the national figures.
The total infant deaths and stillbirths combined, are shown in the diagram on page 57
the number being 107 (56 deaths and 51 stillbirths), a decrease of 28 from the previous
year (in which there were 59 deaths and 76 stillbirths).
Perinatal Mortality - It is becoming customary to refer to the total loss of infant
life before, during and shortly after birth, as "perinatal mortality". To quote from the
report of the Ministry of Health for the year ending 31st December, 1954".... it is
probably most usefully defined as including stillbirths and deaths within the first week
of life. To consider these two groups together allows of a better assessment of problems
of causation that are common to both. Despite great improvements in the general infant
mortality and maternal mortality rates, the perinatal mortality has fallen only slowly.
Since 1948 the rate has been virtually stationary at about 38 per 1,000 total births".
In West Ham the perinatal mortality rate was 40.1 in 1954 and 33.3 in 1955.
The Ministry report also points out that the outstanding problem of perinatal
death is premature birth. Half the total number of stillbirths are premature, and
well over half the deaths which occur in the first week of life are in premature infants.
Good progress has been made in saving the lives of premature infants, but the root of the
problem lies in the prevention of premature birth. For about half the premature births
no medical cause can be assigned, but of the known medical causes toxaemia of pregnancy
is pre-eminent.
Of the 37 West Ham children who died in the first week of life in 1955, 17 were
premature.
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