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- Högberg, Ulf, 1949-, et al.
(author)
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The impact of early medical technology on maternal mortality in late 19th century Sweden
- 1986
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In: International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. - : Wiley. - 0020-7292 .- 1879-3479. ; 24:4, s. 251-261
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The prevention of fatal complications of childbirth is a priority of health care in the developing countries. This historical study of maternal deaths in Sweden analyses the decline in mortality between 1751-1900 and during this years maternal mortality was reduced by 76% whereas the female mortality dropped only by 33% The decline was especially pronounced during the period 1861-1900, when maternal mortality declined from 567 to 227 per 100,000 live births. The potential impact of medical technology was analysed by epidemiological methods for the period 1861-1900. The introduction of antiseptic technique was estimated to reduce septic maternal mortality 25-fold in lying-in hospitals and 2.7-fold in rural home deliveries, implying that 49% of the septic maternal deaths were thus "prevented". In addition, licensed midwives assisting at home deliveries were estimated to reduce non-septic mortality 5-fold, thus "preventing" 46% of the non-septic maternal deaths. This could be one explanation why Sweden had a lower maternal mortality than the U.S. and the U.K. in the beginning of the 20th century.
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