8. Cutting the gums
Going to the dentist is scary enough now, but can you imagine what was it like to live in the 18th century? In Europe, it was customary to cut a baby’s gums to prevent teething since it was thought to be less dangerous than the actual teething process.
Teething was thought by many doctors to be the cause of diarrhea, convulsions, and other conditions that were killing newborns at the time. Up until the 19th century, the practice of severing a baby’s gums down to their teeth was rather common and was even carried out in the United States.
9. Drilling holes into human skulls
If you know about lobotomy, then this won’t scare you! Scientists aren’t entirely sure why exactly this technique, known as trepanation, was carried out, but archaeologists have discovered evidence of it in many skulls.
Many experts think that trepanation may have also been a component of spiritual ceremonies, even if studies suggest that some societies utilized it as a pain treatment method. This is by far one of the most harshest and bizarre practices from the past.
10. Chainsaws were used to help women give birth
Sheesh! Among the worst practices from the past, this has to be the most painful one. The chainsaw was created in the late 1700s as a more effective method of cutting the pelvic bone during delivery, which was a standard technique at the time. When the pelvis was very narrow, a procedure known as a symphysiotomy was required to split the bones.
This experience was made easier by the chainsaw, which was invented in 1780. Before that, the bones had to be sliced with a little knife, which required a laborious and drawn-out process. I guess you were better off kids!
