[A watershed in Norwegian obstetrics]

Professional obstetrics in Norway developed during the 19th century. This paper analyses the development through the second half of the 19th century at the Maternity Clinic in Christiania (now Oslo).

All patient files from the years 1852, 1872 and 1892, a total of 1231 records, were analysed. Socio-demographic and gynaecologic data were registered as well as data about the delivery and the child.

The number of deliveries increased nearly five times during the period. The proportion of married women increased from less than 20% to nearly 50%. Maternal mortality decreased from above 3% to below 1%, mostly because childbed fever became infrequent. The number of operative deliveries increased substantially, particularly the use of the obstetric forceps, in 1892 utilised in 6 % of deliveries. In the reviews published in those days, eclampsia and reduced contractions were the most frequently cited indications for the use of the obstetric forceps. Problems with the heart sound of the fetus were not mentioned. However, patient files demonstrate that a weak or missing heart sound of the fetus was also an important indication for the use of the forceps.

Giving birth at the clinic was gradually becoming an alternative for other than poor women, because it was safer than before and in some cases the obstetricians could offer effective help. However, at the end of the 19th century, not more than about 15% of all deliveries took place at the clinic. This paper demonstrates the importance of scrutinising patient files as a supplement to register data, as is the case today, too.