Childbirth

Childbirth (τεκνογονία, "child-bearing"). The throes of accouchement appear in Ge 3:16, to be part of the doom incurred by woman for her agency in the fall in Eden. Her passive lot in thus continuing the race is aptly expressed in that primeval sentence: "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." SEE COHABITATION. The language of the apostle in 1Ti 2:15, implies that a patient endurance of this penalty shall contribute to woman's spiritual benefit. The Prayer-book of the Church of England prescribes a form of public thanksgiving to be offered for women after safe delivery in childbed. SEE BIRTH; SEE CHURCHING.