MATERNITY DANGERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 158, 5 July 1921, Page 6

MATERNITY DANGERS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In connection with this subject, there is one point calling for attention, viz., the pre-natal examination and observation of jnaternity cases. I understand that it is an accepted principle of maternity practice that the doctor should examine his patient when she first consults him, and should keep her under observation in at least one definite direction with a view to avoiding certain common complications. It is within my knowledge that while some practitioners observe these precautions as a matter of course, others do net. In illustration, I quote three cases handled by three different doctors: (1) No prior examination, and no testing. Confinement favourable, and mother and child both well. (2) Trouble supervened some time after doctor first consulted, death of mother and child resulting. No examination had- been made, and the doctor virtually admitted that examination would have revealed the trouble, and that it would have been capable ot treatment, such that at least the mother's life could have been saved. (3) Examination made on first consultation. Remediable defect found and remedied. Result, healthy child, and mother in better health than ever before. Doctor expressed opinion that unless trouble had been then detected and remedied, the child could not have lived, and the mother would probably have become a ohronic invalid. These cases may not be typical, but they have come to my knowledge within a few months. This letter is written in the hope that if it does not lead all doctors to follow the excellent practice already adopted by many, it will make the expectant mother anticipate and demand that prior attention which should be given in all cases.—l am. etc., CURO.