The history of Traube\u27s stethoscope in Japan, America and Europe through literatures and photographs, and research into the spiritual bonds between midwives and mothers

[Purpose] In this study, we examined the history of Traube (tubular stethoscope), which has been used by maternity nurses since the 1800\u27s for the diagnosis and practice of midwifery. In addition, we determined the contemporary significance of the bond between maternity nurses and pregnant women through Traube, based on the literature on midwifery in which maternity nurses provided support to pregnant women using this medical instrument. [Method] The analysis was based on historical data related to midwifery. The primary and secondary parameters were identified by consulting the Japan Medical Abstracts Society website and library book storerooms and by searching and extracting relevant books from the libraries of medical departments at historical universities and the National Diet Library in Japan. [Result] The data collected from the 1800\u27s to 2000\u27s were divided into three areas : age, region, and contents of description. We prepared chronological tables on the history and photographs of Traube in Japan, America, and Europe, using data extracted over a period of time. The data describing the use of Traube to listen to fetal heart tones in pregnant women was divided into two areas, i.e., description and age, to prepare a historical chronological table. [Discussion] During the postmodern age, birth delivery at home or in residential regions was the origin of manual midwifery. Maternity nurses encouraged pregnant women using their hands, eyes, ears, and mind, based on the five senses. This practice has been preserved over the years through the diagnosis and practice of midwifery by listening to the fetal heart tones using Traube. Maternity nurses deepened their love for pregnant women and their unborn child using the warmth of their hands and Traube and in combination with their mind