The effect of Soranus of Ephesus (98–138) on the work of midwives

Abstract

In the Roman period, midwives continued to play an important role in female health care primarily in the attendance of women birth. In the second century AD, midwives' education received a significant boost thanks to the distinguished physician Soranus of Ephesus. To reveal the work and important contribution of Soranus of Ephesus in the practice of midwifery. The main bibliographic sources concerning Soranus' work on midwifery have been investigated and analysed. In his work, Soranus described the main characteristics and skills of a midwife. In the practice of obstetrics, he performed the manoeuvre which was later called "turning the foot" and introduced the birth chair. His contribution in neonatology is also of a great importance as he provided the earliest newborn assessment. Soranus' work contributed in the education of midwives and influenced the practice of obstetrics till the Middle Ages.