Le rôle de la sage-femme dans la prise en charge des causes de mortalité maternelle entre 1870 et 1914

During the nineteenth century, 2% to 6% of parturients die in childbirth, some years even 20%. Thanks to medical advances, maternal mortality decreased between 1870 and 1914. As midwives accompany most of deliveries, the question arises of their part in the management of the major causes of maternal mortality, such as puerperal sepsis, obstructed labor, haemorrhage and eclampsia. Studying a professional journal published back then, the “Journal des sages-femmes”, shows that during her studies, the midwife is trained in pathology screening. While waiting for the medical attention she made sure to call, she is able to take care of the patient, within the guidelines established by the Year XI and 1892 laws. The midwife has therefore a part to take in prevention, screening, and diagnosis, as she also addresses to maternal mortality's major causes. Although treatments from this time have questionable effectiveness, research is improving and eventually allows the emergence of Evidence Based Medicine.