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 1900 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 anesthesia Proved 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 births 1990 and beyond-Both mother and father take a more active role in childbirth