The presence of this bag stimulates uterine contractions, the cervix dilates, the bag is expelled and in some instances the child is delivered spontaneously and in others by means of forceps. The effect of this bag in producing labor may be hastened by tying a weight to the end of the tubing and allowing it to hang over the side of the bed. This traction and pressure help to dilate the cervix and seem to increase the irritation of the uterine muscles, thus increasing the force of their contractions.
Accouchement forcé is a speedy, forced delivery requiring the forcible widening of an intact, or partly dilated cervix, manually, or instrumentally. It is sometimes performed when existing conditions require extreme haste, as in certain heart lesions; eclampsia; concealed or accidental hemorrhage or in any condition which suddenly arises to threaten the life of the patient or her expected baby. But as the shock of this operation is great and the condition which threatens the patient can usually be better relieved by means of some one of the operations already described, it is less and less frequently performed.
THE MIRACLE[[7]]
by
Elizabeth Newport Hepburn
The wind blows down the street,
A shutter bangs somewhere,
While twilight falls as softly as
A woman’s flowing hair.
Within a quiet room,