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79
CARE OF MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
(SECTION 22)
Care of the Expectant Mother
The well-being of the expectant mother from early pregnancy
until confinement is the aim of all in attendance at ante-natal
clinics. In this we have the co-operation locally of general
medical practitioners, regional hospital obstetric consultants,
almoners and others concerned in this service and who recommend
mothers to attend local clinics to save time and unnecessary
travelling. Abnormal cases are few in number and are referred
to hospital for treatment.
Where necessary, appointments can be made for X-ray and
dental care and an ambulance booked to convey a mother between
clinic and home.
The card report system which was extended to Clapton Mothers'
Hospital last year has operated successfully. Arrangements for
domiciliary confinement or the reservation of a hospital bed are
made for the mother at each local clinic. The services of a home
help are available if required for all domiciliary confinements
and temporary nursery accommodation can be provided for preschool
children in certain cases.
In Hornsey, where the majority of hospital cases are booked
for the Alexandra Maternity Home, there is a useful link in that
two part-time ante-natal clinicians are also medical officers to
the Home and general practitioners in the town.
The health visitor in attendance at the clinic discusses
arrangements with each mother and makes known to her the various
services which are available to her during her pregnancy, confinement
and puerperium.
The maintenance of all these aids does much to prevent
unnecessary worry and ill-health at a time when the mother is m
most need of relief and support.
Blood Tests
All expectant mothers attending ante-natal clinics have
specimens of blood taken for Wasserman reaction, blood grouping
and determination of Rhesus factor. At some clinics patients