The History of Obstetrics

Obstetrics has made slow but significant advances since its birth. Each gradual step was carefully planned to save the lives of women and actively continues today for the same cause.

Early History

• The earliest knowledge of obstetrics is recorded by the ancient Hebrews in 1300 B.C. with a cesarean section performed on a deceased woman. Advances slowed until 1500 B.C. when the next cesarean section was performed on a live woman. Following this event, the progression increased with the invention of essential instruments such as the thermometer and the forceps (handheld, hinged instrument) in the 17th century.

Anesthesia

• The discovery of ether and chloroform as an anesthetic was uncovered in the mid-1800s. Three months after demonstrating its effects at the Massachusetts General Hospital, James Young Simpson used diethyl ether on a woman with a malformed pelvis during childbirth. Later, Queen Victoria used ether during one of her births, despite the objections of the clergy.

Ultrasound

• Though there were advances in ultrasound technology, it didn't take off until Professor Ian Donald started to experiment at the Glasgow University Department of Midwifery in Scotland. The technology was met with apprehension until there was a case where ultrasound saved a woman with an ovarian cyst. In 1959, Professsor Donald discovered that echoes could be received from the fetal head, and he applied this information to advanced obstetrics.