[Gynecology and obstetrics in the Bible. II. Labor and the puerperium]

The bible illustrates some interesting views on the matter of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Beside Old and New Testaments, some Apocryphas have to be discussed for their contents about this subject. This article concerns the following points: impregnation, formation of the human embryo, Eve's creation, indirect fecundation and spermatic pollution, bi-sexuality of the first man, libido, signs of virginity, female infertility, incest, multiparity, post-menopausal conception, the fructifying powers of amulets, plants and seeds, the course of pregnancy and antenatal care, normal and difficult labour, premature birth (was Moses premature?), perineal tears, the first birth without pains, twin pregnancy, procidentias, breech delivery, maternal deaths, midwives and Pharaoh, nursing, swaddling, breast-feeding and weaning of the baby. Uncleanliness and purification of the woman following childbirth or during menstruation according to levitic advices are discussed.