André Levret
Encyclopedia
André Levret was a French obstetrician who practised medicine in Paris
. He was a contemporary of famed English obstetrician William Smellie
(1697–1763), and along with Jean-Louis Baudelocque
(1745–1810) helped advance the science of obstetrics
in 18th century France.
Levret is considered by many the most influential figure in 18th century French obstetrics. He was honored for his rational approach to obstetrical operations which he described in his book L'art des Accouchements. He published several other works in obstetrics and attracted students from all over Europe. He is remembered for his work concerning breech maneuvers and Caesarean section
s. He also improved the birth forceps
by modifying the "pelvic curve" of the instruments' blades.
The classical procedure for assisted breech delivery was once called the "Mauriceau-Levret manipulation", named after Levret and physician François Mauriceau
(1637–1709). This procedure was also referred to as "Lachapelle’s manoeuvre", named after midwife Marie-Louise Lachapelle
(1769–1821).
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
. He was a contemporary of famed English obstetrician William Smellie
William Smellie (obstetrician)
William Smellie was a Scottish obstetrician.He practiced medicine before getting a licence, but enrolled later at the University of Glasgow and received his M.D. degree in 1745. After training in obstetrics in London and Paris, he opened a practice in London and began teaching...
(1697–1763), and along with Jean-Louis Baudelocque
Jean-Louis Baudelocque
Jean-Louis Baudelocque was a French obstetrician who studied and practiced medicine in Paris. He was born in Heilly, in the region of Picardie.Baudelocque is known for making obstetrics a scientific discipline in France...
(1745–1810) helped advance the science of obstetrics
Obstetrics
Obstetrics is the medical specialty dealing with the care of all women's reproductive tracts and their children during pregnancy , childbirth and the postnatal period...
in 18th century France.
Levret is considered by many the most influential figure in 18th century French obstetrics. He was honored for his rational approach to obstetrical operations which he described in his book L'art des Accouchements. He published several other works in obstetrics and attracted students from all over Europe. He is remembered for his work concerning breech maneuvers and Caesarean section
Caesarean section
A Caesarean section, is a surgical procedure in which one or more incisions are made through a mother's abdomen and uterus to deliver one or more babies, or, rarely, to remove a dead fetus...
s. He also improved the birth forceps
Forceps
Forceps or forcipes are a handheld, hinged instrument used for grasping and holding objects. Forceps are used when fingers are too large to grasp small objects or when many objects need to be held at one time while the hands are used to perform a task. The term 'forceps' is used almost exclusively...
by modifying the "pelvic curve" of the instruments' blades.
The classical procedure for assisted breech delivery was once called the "Mauriceau-Levret manipulation", named after Levret and physician François Mauriceau
François Mauriceau
François Mauriceau was a French obstetrician from Paris. He received his training in obstetrics at the Hôtel-Dieu.Mauriceau was a leading obstetrician in 17th century Europe...
(1637–1709). This procedure was also referred to as "Lachapelle’s manoeuvre", named after midwife Marie-Louise Lachapelle
Marie LaChapelle
Marie-Louise LaChapelle was the head of obstetrics at the Hotel Dieu, the oldest hospital in Paris. She argued against forceps deliveries and wrote Pratique des accouchements, long a standard obstetric text, which promoted natural deliveries. LaChapelle is generally regarded as the mother of...
(1769–1821).