Chainsaws were originally invented for helping with childbirth, not for cutting wood. Before Cesarean sections if a baby was too large to pass through the birth canal, parts of the pelvis would be removed. At first, the procedure was performed with a small knife which was very messy and painful.

When did chainsaws stop being used for childbirth?

In light of this success, the chainsaw was eventually mechanized in the later 19th century to increase its ease of use by OB/GYNs on expectant mothers. However, shortly after this, the chainsaw was superseded by the Gigli twisted wire saw, which was most commonly used to cut bone.

Is it true that chainsaws were invented for childbirth?

Shockingly, the chainsaw was originally invented to assist in childbirth - yes, you read that correctly. Before the caesarian section became common practise, all foetuses had to pass through the birth canal. ... To make the process easier, two Scots surgeons invented the chainsaw in the 18th century.