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38
nised increasingly that the proper supervision of an expectant
mother is one of the most important factors in the
prevention of Maternal Mortality. It is most important
that the fears so often experienced by a pregnant woman
should be removed and that her physical condition should
be closely observed, in order that any abnormality that
may exist or develop during the pregnancy may be
suitably treated. When necessary treatment falls outside
the scope of the Ante-Natal Clinics, such cases are
referred to suitable hospitals or institutions where they
can be properly cared for.
Every patient attending our Ante-Natal Clinics is
visited by a Health Visitor, and advice is given both at
the home and at the clinics about the hygiene of pregnancy
and the suitable clothing of the mother and necessary
garments for the coming child. The clinic doctor
satisfies herself that arrangements have been made for the
suitable conduct of the confinement, and close cooperation
is maintained between her and the doctor or midwife
who is to conduct the confinement, and with whom she
communicates bv letter when necessary.
All cases booked for the Maternity Home are
required to attend the Ante-Natal Clinics and one or
other member of the Maternity Home staff attends at
these sessions.
The Health Visitors also visit pregnant women in
the Borough who are booked to enter maternity wards
in Hospitals. The Almoners send lists of such cases for
visitation, and by this means the Department gets into
touch with many pregnant women who would otherwise
remain unknown.
The two Ante-Natal sessions at Greyhound Road
Centre are conducted by myself, and the clinic at Wandsworth
Bridge Road was conducted by Dr. Ross until 1st
March, 1932, when Dr. Park was appointed.
The number of attendances at the Ante-Natal
Clinics during 1932 has dropped slightly and also the
actual number of patients attending. This is possibly
due to the opening of a new Ante-Natal Department at