[History of modern obstetrics in western medicine in china].

This paper deals with the developmental history of western medicine in China. Due to the hindrance of feudal conception, modern obstetrics began rather late. The first Chinese obstetrical ward was established in Fujian Province in 1911. Before 1930, the Chinese maternal and neonatal mortality rates were 4-5 times higher than that of European and American countries. After 1930, "Education of Midwives" commenced, including the founding of midwifery school, antenatal care, pelvie measurements, improvements of the diagnosis for pathological pregnancy, management of complications during pregnancy. All these have improved modern obstetrics in China and laid down the foundation for its development after 1949.