Imagine looking down the surgical table while you are pregnant and facing a chainsaw. Can you imagine the instrument coming anywhere close to you within a hand’s distance unless you are in a carpenter’s shop? No? Well, cringe moment alert! A chainsaw was invented to assist in childbirth!
The tool that is used today to cut wood was at one point in time invented to aid in childbirth! An obstetrician-gynecologist, Dr. Anthony Tizzano, confirms that it sounds horrible to even think about chainsaws being intended to help Childbirth delivery. This goes beyond human evolution future!
Yet, at that time, a chainsaw was more of an option, especially when the mother faced obstruction during labor. Read along to learn the probability of using chainsaws in the medical industry.
It Makes A Brr Sound…
Chainsaws in today’s world are used in the carpentry industry, but in 1780, the chainsaw prototype was invented. However, the purpose for which the tool was introduced was completely different from what it is used today.
Is it out of sorts? Or was it necessary at that time, considering science was not that developed? You must read more about the instrument and its effectiveness to understand the complete significance of the chainsaws, or is it too cringy even to consider it?
Furthermore, in the old days, the delivery of children was a difficult process, especially with either the death of the children or the mother. Even the doctors had some misconceptions; therefore, obstructions were common in child delivery!
Did You Know Chainsaws Were Invented To Help In Childbirth?
Due to these increasing obstructions, two Scottish doctors, James Jeffrey and John Aitken, invented the first chainsaw prototype! The prototype was a hand-cranked tool that had a probability of cutting through the pelvises of a pregnant woman.
The probability of using this tool was especially higher when mothers faced problems or trouble delivering the child. In that trouble, the mother faces concerns about pushing the child out of her. Do you know the worst part of it all? The whole process was mostly done without any anesthesia.
Using this tool during obstructive labor delivery is called a symphysiotomy. In most cases, the process worked efficiently according to the male doctors compared to their female counterparts. But imagine, is sawing across the pelvis of a woman cringeworthy?
Imagine the chainsaw sawing through wood and then going through a human body, bone, blood, and flesh of it all! Weird right? It is very similar to the surprising thing that you will learn about ovarian follicle.
Opium Used In Childbirth…
In the Middle Ages, childbirth was one of the most difficult processes! It was almost feared by men and women, along with family members and midwives. During that time, the process was typically performed at home; hence, women were guided and coached about it.
Initially, the whole process was performed at home, so it was done by women and for women! It is a natural process. However, obstruction in labor is also a part of it. Opium was used to release the pain and help in pain management during childbirth.
However, the mortality rate was quite high because of limitations towards hygiene standards. Due to hygiene concerns, women often died while giving birth, so it was later in the mid-1800s that childbirth became medicalized formally. It was during this time that men claimed the domain.
Centrifugal Force Used For Childbirth! The Horror!
The delivery process of children was then completely shifted to hospitals. This was when the field of obstetrics originated, leading pregnant women to become completely dependent on men. Furthermore, it led to high risks of infection and unsanitary conditions where the death of mothers increased.
It was in 1847 that a Hungarian doctor, Ignaz Semmelweis, informed us of the reason why so much infection took place in hospitals during childbirth! It was a lack of hand-washing, thus increasing the mortality rate of pregnant mothers and their children.
This transition from home birth to hospital led to the development of new technologies. New tools have been used and implemented, making the delivery process easier, yet risks were involved. Imagine the pregnant woman having septate hymen? More difficult, right?
Do We Go The Vacuum Extraction?
Another technology that helped in children’s delivery is the process of vacuum extraction, which an automobile mechanic invented. In the process, a suction cup is placed on the head of the baby and then guides the baby out!
There are some risks involved, which are quite similar to using forceps to guide the baby out. Yet, compared to other ways used to deliver babies, it is more of an easier and safer option. It is less intrusive than other tools.
Forceps apparently might have the probability of damaging the skull of the child while pulling them out! Therefore, it is important to consider the side effects and risks of these different ways of aiding children’s delivery. The vacuum process is better as compared to forceps or C-section operations!
Do Mothers Need Help Giving Birth?
Of course, giving birth is a natural but difficult process, considering many aspects are involved. At times, while giving birth, women experience pelvic breaks, extended injuries in the rectum and anal region, episiotomies, and others. One of the major reasons technology was used to aid in the process.
Apart from the midwives and family members, mothers need help, especially when giving birth. Both socially, physically, and technically. It is, therefore, important for science to be helpful. All-natural home births are only sometimes expected or the right way.
Instead, there are other options for child delivery, such as C-section operation. These aspects help better manage the health of mothers and their children during delivery. In the birthing community, the technical elements have developed significantly; however, chainsaws are too much effort.
Finishing Off…
After you have read about why were chainsaws invented, it is quite normal that it might push you over the edge. However, remember that at a certain point, it was a big help, especially when there were fewer options available.
The birthing process is a complex and difficult process with several side effects. Different delivery techniques are a “necessary evil, ” be it a chainsaw or vacuum extraction!
Comment on your thoughts about the purpose based on which chainsaws were invented.
