==== Sample for Maternity Survey ====
----
Of the 458 local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland at that time, 424 (92%) agreed to take part.

=== Responses ===

|                      |**%**   |**Number**|
|Successful Interviews |90.5|13,687|
|Mothers refused       |1.9 |287   |
|Mothers untraced      |7.3 |1,109 |
|Forms spoiled         |0.3 |47    |
|**Total confirmed births**|    |**15,130**|
|                      |    |      |

===  Versions ===

There were two versions of the Maternity Survey:   
  * Version A: 'The Maternity Study' - focused more on ante-natal care and the birth process
  * Version B: 'The Costs Study' - focused more on the costs associated with pregnancy

The 424 co-operating authorities were randomly divided into two groups. In no case did a single authority receive both types of questionnaire. 

The response rate for the maternity study was 91.5% and the response rate for the costs study was 89.3%.

|                          |**%**   |**Number**|
|Version A: Maternity study|53.2|7,287 |
|Version B: Costs study    |46.8|6,400 |
|**Total**                     |    |**13,687**|
|                          |    |         |

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A detailed description of the sampling and methodology of the original maternity study is given in Douglas JWB, 'Maternity in Great Britain' (1948). 

The questionnaires can be viewed [[mrepo:questionnaires|here]].

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