Obstetrics Collection (#7)

Uterine arteries, 1825 artwork
Uterine arteries. Dissection showing the arteries (red) of the uterus (lower centre) of a woman who died six days after giving birth. The ovaries and fallopian tubes are either side

Doctor checking newborns heartbeat
Childbirth. A doctor checking the heartbeat of a baby moments after its birth. Photographed in a hospital in Kliningrad, Russia

Alfred Velpeau (1795-18)
Alfred Velpeau was a French anatomist and surgeon who, though of humble origins, became the leading surgeon in Paris. He was admired

Semmelweiss, Ignac F├╝l├Âp (Buddha, 1818-Vienna, 1865). Hungarian doctor. He discovered that puerperal fever is caused by infectious agents

Anaemia in pregnancy, artwork
Anaemia in pregnancy. Computer artwork of irregular shaped erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the outline of a pregnant woman in profile. This represents iron-deficiency anaemia in pregnancy

Cleaning umbilical cord stump
MODEL RELEASED. Cleaning umbilical cord stump. The cord drops off after 7-10 days. During this time and immediately after, great care must be taken in keeping the area clean to prevent infection

Umbilical cord
MODEL RELEASED. Umbilical cord. The cord will drop off after 7-10 days. During this time and immediately after, care must be taken to keep the navel area clean and free from infection

Population growth
MODEL RELEASED. Population growth. Pregnant woman holding an inflated globe

Fertility test. Male and female home-use Fertell fertility test kit. At bottom left is the wand used to test female fertility

17th century Caesarean section
A 17th century woodcut of a Caesarean section operation, from the works of Johann Schultes, a contemporary surgeon. Such operations on living women would in fact have been very rare

Uterus of a pregnant woman. Artwork from William Hunters Anatomy of the Human Gravid Uterus, published 1774, showing the uterus of a woman at full-term

Medical training dummy. This equipment is being used in gynaecological training, to enable birth complications to be dealt with more efficiently

Eight months pregnant woman
MODEL RELEASED. Eight months pregnant woman, holding her swollen abdomen

Pregnant woman measuring her abdomen
MODEL RELEASED. Pregnant woman measuring her abdomen. She is eight months (32 weeks) pregnant

Pregnant womans bump
Pregnant woman feeling her bump with her hand

Stephane Tarnier, French obstetrician

Pregnant woman, artwork

Pregnancy consultation
MODEL RELEASED. Pregnancy consultation. Pregnant woman discusses her pregnancy with her doctor

Obstetric forceps

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Obstetrics, the fascinating field of medicine that revolves around childbirth and women's reproductive health, has a rich history filled with groundbreaking discoveries and remarkable advancements. From the momentous occasion of newborn babies entering this world at maternity hospitals to the pioneering work of Simpson researching anaesthetics in the 1840s, it has played a vital role in ensuring safe and comfortable deliveries. One cannot help but marvel at the intricate beauty captured in images like the human fetus inside an amniotic sac or the uterine cells during childbirth. These glimpses into the miracle of life remind us of how precious each pregnancy is. The joyous anticipation that follows a positive pregnancy test fills hearts with hope and excitement for what lies ahead. Through meticulous observations and detailed models like twins in wax or William Hunter's anatomical drawings from his "Anatomy of Human Gravid Uterus, " we gain invaluable insights into the complex workings within a pregnant woman's body. Ms Hunter's delicate vellum artwork depicting caring for both mother and newborn serves as a testament to humanity's commitment to nurturing new life. Instruments such as Joseph-Claude-Anthelme Recamier's vaginal speculum made from wood and metal highlight how medical tools have evolved over time to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. These innovations have undoubtedly contributed to improving maternal care throughout history. As we explore female anatomy through ancient texts like "Commentaria cum amplissimis additionibus super anatomiam" or delve into William Hunter’s comprehensive plates showcasing various stages of pregnancy, we deepen our understanding of women's bodies while celebrating their incredible strength. Obstetrics continues to evolve today, driven by dedicated healthcare professionals who strive to provide expectant mothers with optimal care during one of life’s most transformative experiences, and is through their unwavering commitment that countless lives are touched, making obstetrics an awe-inspiring realm where science meets compassion.