One of the main dangers was that of infection because doctors or midwives delivering the babies did not wash their hands. If there were complications there was often little that could be done. No anesthetic was available. There was very real danger to the mother if the baby was breeched. If there was uncontrolled bleeding it couldn't usually be stopped. If the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck it was often fatal.
September 30th, 2008 at 10:29 am
One of the main dangers was that of infection because doctors or midwives delivering the babies did not wash their hands. If there were complications there was often little that could be done. No anesthetic was available. There was very real danger to the mother if the baby was breeched. If there was uncontrolled bleeding it couldn't usually be stopped. If the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck it was often fatal.
I hope these thoughts help.