Abstract 707 Historical Perspectives Poster Symposium, Saturday, 5/1

The use and misuse of powdered ergot of rye as a uterotonic agent in the 19th Century is well documented. Dr. John Stearns is credited with introducing ergot into obstetrics in the New World, popularising the term pulvis parturiens (powder to bring forth labour), and noting that it "expedites lingering parturition", saving the accoucheur "a considerable portion of time" (Medical Repository 5:308, 1808). The outcome for the fetus, however, was frequently unfavourable, with many reports of stillbirth and early neonatal death. The cause of death in these cases has generally been attributed to intra-partum asphyxia related to tonic uterine contraction and obliteration of placental circulation.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account
Continue with Google
Continue with ORCiD