History of Delivery

Early

1647 Forceps were developed Many babies died in the early years of their use

Before 19th century was uneventful – delivery and life went on as normal with no pain relief

Mid-19th century Women feared childbirth - painful or even fatal Higher social status, less children you had

1800 Chloroform was used to relieve women of any pain Harmful, even fatal, to mother and baby

Mid

1882 First successful Cesarean delivery Death rate remained high until 20th century

1900 Middle class women were confined to bed

rest until well after the baby was born Introduction of maternity clothes (Lane

Bryant)

1920 “Twilight labor”

1920-Morphine and scopolamine General anesthesiaProved harmful to baby and mother

Use of stirrups to prevent any tearing or ripping

1950 and Beyond

1950-Use of drugs in “assisted” childbirth became popular

1970-“Natural” childbirth and midwives became popular

1980-Back toward hospital births1990 and beyond-Both mother and

father take a more active role in childbirth