The Evolution of Maternity Care in York James Drife

Event details

In the 19th century childbirth was dangerous to mother and baby. Birth took place at home and a first labour could last days. There was no pain relief or caesarean section. GPs were not trained to use forceps. 

Midwifery became a profession in 1902. At that time in the UK, one in five infants died before age five, a major cause being the state of city slums. The Ministry of Health was established in 1919, including a Maternal and Child Health Division headed by Dame Janet Campbell. She introduced a national system of antenatal care, with better training of midwives and GPs and a detailed investigation of each maternal death.

The death rate fell dramatically after 1937, helped by the discovery of sulphonamides, the first effective treatment for puerperal fever. In the 1930s, 75 per cent of births were at home, and obstetric flying squads brought rapid blood transfusion for haemorrhage. The maternal mortality rate fell rapidly from the late 1930s, reaching its present low level in the 1980s.

Join obstetrician James Drife as he explores the history of maternity care from the era of untrained midwives through to the introduction of national maternity care and beyond.

The ticket includes a viewing of related objects before or after the talk, from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.

Please note:

The exhibition and accompanying talk should be avoided by anyone for whom it might trigger distress due to related previous traumatic experiences. Children will be admitted at parental discretion and with supervision.

Wheelchair access

A wheelchair ramp is available to access the building and all areas within. Wheelchair access is through the garden at the rear of the building, via a door next to the Slug and Lettuce at Grape Lane/Coffee Yard. Please come to the front door of the York Medical Society initially.

This event is presented by the York Medical Society.

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