The wild history of childbirth in 19 pictures

Have you ever looked at modern medicine and thought about how lucky you are to live in modern age? Each and every day, there are new advancements, groundbreaking trials and mind-blowing discoveries. For many fortunate people, a mild cough or flu today is not nearly as dangerous as it was 100 years ago.

Likewise, penicillin is widely available -- transportation for treatment, access to healthcare and modern technology can make the smallest difference in life or death. The development of childbirth to feature safe and less painful experiences is only one of the many advancements we are most thankful for.

It used to be that women would give birth in front of groups and crowds. For noble and royal families, usually 70 people would be present as to "verify" the birth of the baby, and not an imposter.

Could you imagine the entire town showing up to your delivery like it was a show? It seems like something out of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".

Additionally, many mothers would be secluded up until labor: "In those days people believed that a child's sex was not determined until the moment it was born, so they thought they could influence the baby's gender during the pregnancy," it was explained.

See more: Childbirth over the years

In the 19th century, doctors experimented with chloroform as form of anesthetic. Up until the 20th century, a majority of the births took place at home, assisted by a midwife. Some women gave birth on chairs, a practice adopted from ancient Greece. In the early 1900s, doctors implemented Twilight Sleep, which put the mother to sleep. However, many babies died from lack of oxygen during delivery.

Today, hospitals "remain" the place of birth for many moms in the United States, and midwives seem to be a continuing practice. Epidurals are a very common form of pain management, while doctors experiment with laughing gas and other anesthetics. Likewise, medicine has excelled to include safer techniques for both the mother and baby. Patient care is different, as technology allows for more increased monitoring of both parties for a higher survival rate.

Looking at the pictures above, we can't believe how much advancement has taken place over the past couple of centuries!

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