CHAP. XI.
Of Difficult BIRTHS proceeding from the Causes of the VAGINA.
DIFFICULTY likewise in LABOUR may also arise from the VAGINA, or Neck of the Womb; this Part being no less liable to the Affection of Tumours, Glands, Ulcers, &c. than any Other before-mentioned: In Either of which Cases, my above-mentioned Method in the foregoing Chapter, shall suffice for the MIDWIFE’s Instruction; as also in Case of an Inflation or Inflammation of the Pudendum.
BUT sometimes also this Difficulty happens from the falling down of the VAGINA; which Accident may as well precede as follow after the Birth, and that by the Orifice of the Womb pressing hard into that of the Privities: So that sometimes, when the MEMBRANE is broke, the Head of the INFANT, as well as the Orifice of the Womb, slides down so far, as to hang out of the Body; whereby the stressed Ligaments (being too much relaxed) give way to the falling down not only of the VAGINA, but also of the Womb it self.
IN this sad Condition the Woman must keep her Bed, and her Body equally situated, that either the fallen VAGINA or WOMB, may recover and be immediately restored to its proper Place; which being done, other Matters may be easily prevented by the Care and Diligence of the prudent MIDWIFE, stopping and restraining the Orifice of the Womb before it comes so far to that Extremity: Wherefore she ought to keep it up in the VAGINA (as much as possible) with her Hands, until the Woman has happily extruded both the CHILD and the AFTER-BIRTH.
UPON This afterwards, she is to use her best Endeavours, to restore both the Womb and VAGINA to their due Situation; laying the Wrinkles Smooth in their proper Order, not one upon another, then placing the Woman conveniently in Bed, with her Head and Shoulders declining, Exsiccant or drying MEDICINES are to be judiciously applied, and Strengthening or Astringent Fomentations often used; whereby (in good Time) both may be again confirmed in their proper Natural Places.
NOW having thus, in fine, candidly explained the Different Causes of all Difficult BIRTHS, and carefully laid down the genuine Methods of correcting and removing them, and consequently of Delivering the good Woman successfully in all such nice Cases, it remains now in Course that I proceed to——
