Birth of a movement

In the 1600s and 1700s, as many as one in every 100 births, women frequently died during labor.The rate of maternal mortality has decreased dramatically as a result of scientific advancements like antibiotics.

The use of narcotics to alleviate pain, such as the epidural, became increasingly common in many nations as the medical profession shifted its focus away from safety.

Even today, countries with a lack of adequate medical care for complications that can be treated elsewhere have the highest maternal mortality rates.