Uterine forceps, model, London, England,1822-1869

Uterine forceps, model, wood, by Ferguson of London, 1822 to 1869

Uterine forceps are a standard instrument during childbirth. They are inserted into the birth canal to grip the foetus. This model was probably for training purposes. It was made by surgical instrument maker Ferguson during the mid-19th century. A range of instruments were needed when attending a birth. An obstetric physician, or male midwife, was not normally present in routine births during the 1800s. However, he would be called to assist in desperate circumstances.