SREF- The Caretaking of Women During Childbirth in 17-19th Century Europe

One of the more disturbing aspects of the History of Medicine Museum was the treatment of women during childbirth during what was considered a medical revolution. While the mistreatment of women by medical professionals is, unfortunately, nothing new, the scientific advancements regarding gynecology and childbirth in the 17-18th centuries were nothing short of barbaric.

The instruments that were used on women’s genitals included large, wide metal speculums and tools designed to aid in the removal of the infants, some of which featured sharp edges or points that could easily cause harm or pain to the mother. Repositioning the fetus inside the mother to ensure that the birth had as few complications as possible was imperative, but these tools would likely break skin in already sensitive regions and introduce pathogens into the mother’s system.

Fatalities of both the mother and the infant were not uncommon, but while the beginning of a new life is something to be celebrated, the carelessness which physicians exhibited toward caring for the mother and her wellbeing is horrendous. The act of birth is perilous enough, even with the institution of modern medicine and without unsanitary and painful tools being applied to the process. Taking care of the mother during this time period would have ensured that if the child survived birth, it would have had a supply of food and care during its most vulnerable time. But lack of sanitization and caution exposed her to bacteria and other sources of stress that could compromise both of their lives.