Techniques of perinatal care in ancient Egypt: wider perspective

ABSTRACT

Background: Maternity resembled an important issue in ancient Egyptian life and medicine. Ancient Egyptian papyri contained different prescriptions for care of both pregnant women, birthing moms and their fetus/infant babies. The interventions included both 1) remedies of different origins, and, 2) incantations. Material/Methods:Different Egyptian papyri and temple representation were studied for the variable remedies for specific cases of maternal/ perinatal problems in relation to pregnancy, birth, breast milk and babycare.Incantation approach was also analyzed. We tried to define the specific material used, and the possible "psychogenic influence of the incantation. Results 1. Some of the remedies could be identified and correlated to current time agents. Practical extrapolation of some of these agents proved of value in modern obstetric practice andtherapeutics. 2. Other remedies could not be characterized, and, up-till now, it was not possible to detect whether they could be corresponding to existing material, 3. The incantation approach could be, in some way, correlated to the "deep psychoanalysis" of modern psychiatry. 4. Many of the "non-medical" ancient Egyptian approaches for maternity/baby care are still resembled in some way of use by current time Egyptian women. Conclusion Ancient Egyptian maternal/infant care is a composite approach. Some of the recognized remedies used proved of value in modern clinical application Identification of further remedies seems to open further promise of extra-benefit. Modification of the of the "non-remedy" line might provide a form of "psychotherapy" better tailored for our societies' concepts