The modern-day chainsaws we’re used to seeing are mainly utilised for tree cutting. Shockingly, the chainsaw was originally invented to assist in childbirth – yes, you read that correctly. The doctors’ chainsaw was used during symphysiotomies.
The original chainsaw was invented and used by two Scottish doctors in the 1780s. Interestingly, it’s also the first Stihl chainsaw because the first wood chainsaw was invented by Andreas Stihl – the founder of the Stihl chainsaw company. Stihl also claims to have invented the first chainsaw for use by one person in 1950 – check out all the Stihl chainsaw years made for more info.
Although childbirth remains a difficult, often stressful experience for mothers, the advent of opioid medications for labor pain relief and the use of appropriate sanitation methods has made childbirth far safer for mothers than was possible during previous periods in history. Although childbirth remains a difficult, often stressful experience for mothers, the advent of opioid medications for labor pain relief-such as morphine, fentanyl, nalbuphine, and butorphanol-and the use of appropriate sanitation methods, has made childbirth far safer for mothers than was possible during previous periods in history. In the article, Dr. John L. Richmond describes how, after many hours of the expectant mother being in labor, he could see she was close to death, requiring that he make a decision quickly to save the woman’s life.2,3.
Now people are obsessing over the origins of the chainsaw, after TikTok user hellomynamesjon shared a video saying it was first invented to help with childbirth, which sounds more than a little terrifying. Yes, the first chainsaw really was invented to be used in childbirth – though thankfully it was a far cry from the electric-powered monsters people cut down trees with today. Modern chainsaws come in many sizes, from small electric saws intended for home and garden use, to large “Lumberjack” saws.