Obstetrics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Obstetrics, including details on caesarean delivery, child birth, labour.

Childbirth in ancient Rome: From traditional folklore to obstetrics.

Todman D

Brisbane Clinic, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

In ancient Rome, childbirth was a hazardous event for both mother and child with high rates of infant and maternal mortality. Traditional Roman medicine centred on folklore and religious practices, but with the development of Hippocratic medicine came significant advances in the care of women during pregnancy and confinement. Midwives or obstetrices played an important role and applied rational scientific practices to improve outcomes. This evolution from folklore to obstetrics was a pivotal point in the history of childbirth.

Published 14 March 2007 in Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol, 47(2): 82-5.
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