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Imagining the foetus

Today most of us know what an unborn baby looks like. But for centuries the developing foetus was invisible: its appearance, behaviour and source of nourishment could only be guessed at. However, medical developments from the 18th century onwards allowed detail and accuracy to gradually inform our impressions of our earliest beginnings.

Words by Tania Staras

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About the author

Tania Staras

Tania Staras is a midwife and historian currently based at the University of Brighton, where she teaches student midwives. Her research interests focus on histories of midwifery and childbirth.