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This article will address ancient Egyptians' knowledge of the childbirth cycle from preconception to postpartum and the similarities of these practices to modern knowledge and practice. From developing the first recorded pregnancy test to using the favorable position of squatting in labor, the ancient Egyptians exhibited a base of knowledge that more recent use of the scientific method has confirmed. Other practices, such as methods of contraception, can be seen as steps in the evolution of methods used today. Ancient Egyptians emphasized maternal nutrition during pregnancy and care of the newborn and mother immediately postpartum. Newborn assessment in ancient Egypt consisted of two parameters-cry and muscle tone-that exhibits a historical technique analogous to the modern Apgar score. Evidence also indicates that the ancient Egyptians devised strategies to suture perineal tears and manage other postpartum complications. In addition to practices related to pregnancy and childbirth, other contributions of these ancient people to medical practice and vocabulary were associated with general women's health.
KEYWORDS: Egypt; history; contraception; labor; delivery; postpartum
INTRODUCTION
As a civilization in antiquity that developed the skills of medical specialists, ancient Egypt was unique because the Egyptian people leftevidence of their medical practices in graphic or written form. The development of hieroglyphic script occurred around 3100 BC and was used until the fourth century AD (The British Museum, n.d.). The medical papyri in which ancient Egyptian knowledge on pregnancy, childbirth, and women's health topics is described date from approximately 1825 BC to the fifth century BC (Haimov-Kochman, Sciaky-Tamir, & Hurwitz, 2005; Sullivan, 1997). This written record has allowed for the discovery of several aspects of ancient Egyptian health care delivery that share similarities to modern health care, particularly that which involves the health of women and the practitioners who offered this care. The earliest recorded midwives practiced in Egypt with permission of the authorities Ancient Egypt's reputation in providing good health care became well-known in the region, and superstition and magical practices continued to be used in conjunction with medicinal plants and concoctions (Ghalioungui, 1973). Care of the pregnant woman reflected these broader principles of medical care in ancient Egypt, and although the field of obstetrics and gynecology was practiced mostly by women practitioners (Sullivan, 1997), it appears that ancient Egyptian society members...