<P> By the late 19th century , the foundation of modern - day obstetrics and midwifery began developing . Delivery of babies by doctors became popular and readily accepted , but midwives continued to play a role in childbirth . Midwifery also changed during this era due to increased regulation and the eventual need for midwives to become certified . Many European countries by the late 19th century were monitoring the training of midwives and issued certification based on competency . Midwives were no longer uneducated in the formal sense . </P>
when did the field of obstetrics first emerge in the field of medicine
By the late 19th century