10 Eye-Opening Details About What Was It Like for Royal Mothers While Giving Birth

People think that being a part of the royal family is the best. Though there are a lot of perks for being a royal, but there are also rules and regulations in place that might make one think twice. 

However, there is a need for people to know what exactly happens when the family is in their private space; in fact, fans are eager to know every small detail of their personal life. 

When Kate Middleton became a mother for the first time, she gave birth in a hospital with the presence of a handful of well-trained medical professionals, just like any of us would, but the same cannot be said for royal births that have taken place in the past. 

Labor back then was steeped in traditions and superstitions, and here are a few of them that might serve as a real eye-opener to you!

1. There were scores of people who bore witness to a royal birth

When French princess Marie Antoinette gave birth, it was witnessed by 200 people who were, in no way, related to her. Sure, it was a special moment for the family, but it also held political significance. Everyone wanted to be a part of the birthing process since it was the country's heir being born, per Ranker. 

2. The room would be converted into an almost womb-like atmosphere before delivery

This was to make sure that the mother-to-be was comfortable and relaxed before pushing out a child. Basically, all the windows were drawn shut since they believed light was harmful and hung calming tapestries around the room, too. 

3. A painful birth meant the mother was being punished for the original sin

Childbirth is a painful affair, but back then, painkillers were often frowned upon, even for royals. They believed that pain during labor meant she was being punished for the sin Adam and Eve committed. As a result, mothers in labor would clutch bibles and amulets to help them get over the immense pain.

4. Royal Women used to medicate themselves

Since these women were used to a lavish life, suffering all this pain was something they couldn't handle. But not all mothers were okay with going through this torture over and over again, so they found ways to soothe their pain, which ultimately led to the inclusion of medical aid for the pain. 

5. Midwives were made to swear they wouldn't steal the afterbirth for witchcraft

When attending to a royal mother's labor, the midwife was required to take an oath not to keep anything from the birth itself, such as the placenta or the umbilical cord, both of which could be used in witchcraft. 

6. The expectant moms were paraded in public

In the 1500s, when the queen entered her final weeks of pregnancy, she would be paraded through public view and into the place where she would rest until the much-anticipated arrival of her baby.

7. Unsanitary conditions led to deadly infections

Medical aids were not as developed as it is now, which is why there were a lot of deaths, since a queen often gave birth in relatively unsanitary conditions, creating a serious health risk to both mother and child.

8. Pregnant women wouldn't know they were expecting for at least five months

Since legitimate pregnancy tests didn't exist back then, many women didn't even know they were expecting until five months or so. They only found out they were pregnant until they felt the first flutters of movement at around five months. 

9. Mothers usually wrote their wills before giving birth

Since there was no medical equipment, the loss of the queen or (even worse) the baby was the biggest fear surrounding a royal birth. So, before giving birth, a mother would write their will just to be on the safer side. 

10. The child's father was usually not in the room during the birth

Despite the birth being witnessed by hundreds of people, the child's father would usually be missing. Prince Philip was missing for his son's birth, but Prince Charles, however, made to stick beside Princess Diana. 

Which one surprised you the most?

References:

https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-royal-birth-rituals-throughout-history/jen-jeffers?ref=browse_list

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