Explanation of cause of death

[LancsLass]

I am wondering whether there is anyone with specific knowledge to explain the following cause of death from 1881;

"Ovarian turnover (4 years), septicaemia (12 days)" In case it helps her age at death is given as 40 although I suspect she was actually older.

It had always been the family assumption that this relative died following the birth of her son ie the cause of death was childbirth related. However, since even with the help of other Brit Geners, we cannot find a birth certificate there may not have been a (live) birth involved. The septicaemia could, of course, be related to childbirth but I guess there would be other causes.

If anyone can shed light I would be MOST grateful. This particular lady is something of an enigma

[birdlip]

"Ovarian turnover (4 years), septicaemia (12 days)"


Would it not be 'Ovarian tumour' ?

If so, perhaps an operation to remove it was attempted, and the septicaemia set in afterwards? Not a nice way to go...poor thing.

[louisa maud]

If a child was still born there is a separate register at the General Registrars office, perhaps if you haven't been able to find a birth around the date of the wpman's death is it worth ringing the GRO?
Louisa Maud

[Kerrywood]

Stillbirths were not registered before 1927.

[Ecclescake]

Would it not be 'Ovarian tumour' ?

If so, perhaps an operation to remove it was attempted, and the septicaemia set in afterwards? Not a nice way to go...poor thing.


I think this is more than likely to have happened to the poor soul
comming from a medical background I would think that if she had ovarian tumour for four years an operation was attempted and she got post op infection. ie Blood poisoning or Septicaemia. Post op infection usually sets in within the first few days.

Ecclescake

[LancsLass]

Thanks for all your thoughts on this. It does certainly seem that she had a pretty bad end.

We had originally thought she died in childbirth, can anyone comment on what chance there is that having had a tumour for 4 years she might have been able to carry a child??

Sarah