Conférence : Histoire de la naissance

by Philippe MICHAUD, obstetrician-gynecologist. The transition to standing has de facto made childbirth more difficult and perilous due to the spiral trajectory that the fetus must follow to cross the maternal pelvis. Added to this is the pain felt, a sensory and emotional experience that is written in Genesis and experienced and transmitted as a curse following Eve's "disobedience". As a result, from the dawn of time until around the end of the Middle Ages, birth was mainly a women's affair from which men were excluded, except sometimes the father. Maternal-fetal stillbirth was very high. The Renaissance marked a turning point in medical knowledge, a turning point that would continue throughout the 17th and 18th centuries and which would benefit maternity. Midwives would fade away in favor of midwives who would be required to provide proof of training. The obstetrician, accompanied by medical progress, will gradually, especially in the 9th century, replace midwives who will be relegated to subordinate roles. This is the rise of Obstetrical Art which will continue in the 20th century with the emergence of a new complementary specialty, Fetal Medicine, thanks to the techniques of exploration, monitoring and active management of the fetus in utero. Parenthood is today at the center of the birth plan for better well-being of the mother and child in a medical environment of technicality and benevolence.

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