Milagros y partos peligrosos en las hagiografías de los siglos XVI y XVII

Una aproximación a las causas de la muerte materna en el Siglo de Oro español

Abstract

Addressing maternal mortality during childbirth necessitates an analysis of two overlooked aspects in early modern Spain and Europe: the causes of maternal death and societal attitudes towards endangered birthing mothers. While existing studies provide insights into mortality rates, broader questions remain: What was the social status of endangered parturient women? What roles did midwives and medical professionals play? How are women depicted in historical accounts? Examining contemporary statistics offers some insight, with hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infections, and obstructed labor among the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. While precise data for early modern Spain are lacking, understanding contemporary trends sheds light on historical realities and underscores childbirth's perilous nature in the collective consciousness of society.