Permanent Exhibition

12. Gynecology and Obstetrics

The final phase of restoration of the old Maternity of Santutxu began in 1998. The Museum received a large number of objects and surgical instruments for this medical specialty. Together with Dr. J. M. Usandizaga, a Temporary Exhibition was prepared. It included a Catalogue whose text is published on this website.

The first part includes objects related to belief medicine. Among them, we highlight an image of St. Vincent de Paul from the end of the 19th century.

The second part consists of several hundred tools distributed throughout eleven sections. They deal with birth assistance, forceps, embriotomies, abdominal laparatomies, equipment for abdominal gynaecological surgery; tools for vaginal surgery, pessaries and hystometers, endometrial cleaning and forceps for breast surgery; vaginal valves, curettage,  and anesthetic.

The third part includes a birthing chair from the 18th century, a gynaecological assistance wooden table from the 19th century, a birthing table from the second half of the 20th century, as well as several plates representing birth positions from people all over the world.

The fourth part deals with the issue of female assistance and newborns; and includes an incubator, different models of cradles and other medical objects.