The patient may complain of intense pain in her back and cramps in her legs during the second stage. Pressure made by the nurse’s hand, or a small pillow slipped under the small of the back will frequently relieve the backache, while cramps in the legs may be relieved by straightening, and slightly elevating the leg, and rubbing it while in that position. As these pains are usually due to pressure they have no serious significance and subside as soon as the child is born.
Fig. 79.—Bed and simple equipment in readiness for normal delivery. (From photograph taken at Johns Hopkins Hospital.)
On table by bed:
Sterile: cover.
towels, 6.
bag of sponges.
delivery pad.
pair of leggings.
delivery sheet.