Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
This study explores the incidence and causes of maternal mortality in 19th century and early 20th century Rochester. Several practices, including the emergence of antiseptics and obstetrics, have reduced maternal mortality rates since the end of the 19th century. At that time, the development of germ theory led to the discovery of the cause of puerperal fever, a common cause of maternal deaths first addressed by Semmelweis in the 1840s. Although the overall prevalence of sepsis-related post-birth mortality has decreased, we are now seeing how the medicalization of birth comes with its own complications, including hemorrhage and post-intervention infection. In this study, I seek to understand how maternal mortality causes and rates changed from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s in Rochester, and how these outcomes were shaped by medical advancements and sociocultural factors. Methods used for this study include analysis of transcribed death records from Mount Hope cemetery, as well as sources documenting conceptual shifts surrounding birthing practices, medical advancements and morbidity and mortality over this time period. In addition to an overall decline in maternal mortality, I expect to see trends in maternal mortality being shaped by increased hospital births, decreased trust in midwives and complications from medical interventions.
Recommended Citation
Lacy, Shannon, "244 - Trends and Practices Relating to Maternal Mortality Rates in 19th and early 20th Century Rochester, New York" (2025). GREAT Day Posters. 76.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2025/posters-2025/76
244 - Trends and Practices Relating to Maternal Mortality Rates in 19th and early 20th Century Rochester, New York
This study explores the incidence and causes of maternal mortality in 19th century and early 20th century Rochester. Several practices, including the emergence of antiseptics and obstetrics, have reduced maternal mortality rates since the end of the 19th century. At that time, the development of germ theory led to the discovery of the cause of puerperal fever, a common cause of maternal deaths first addressed by Semmelweis in the 1840s. Although the overall prevalence of sepsis-related post-birth mortality has decreased, we are now seeing how the medicalization of birth comes with its own complications, including hemorrhage and post-intervention infection. In this study, I seek to understand how maternal mortality causes and rates changed from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s in Rochester, and how these outcomes were shaped by medical advancements and sociocultural factors. Methods used for this study include analysis of transcribed death records from Mount Hope cemetery, as well as sources documenting conceptual shifts surrounding birthing practices, medical advancements and morbidity and mortality over this time period. In addition to an overall decline in maternal mortality, I expect to see trends in maternal mortality being shaped by increased hospital births, decreased trust in midwives and complications from medical interventions.
Comments
Sponsored by Kristi Krumrine