Advice to a wife and mother in two parts

by Pye Henry Chavasse

451. The subsidence—the dropping—of the womb may then be considered one of the earliest of the precursory symptoms of the labor, and as the herald of the coming event.

452. She has, at length, slight pains, and then she has a “show,” as it is called; which is the coming away of a mucous plug, which, during pregnancy, had hermetically sealed the mouth of the womb. The “show” is generally tinged with a little blood. When a “show” takes place, she may rest assured that labor has actually commenced. One of the early symptoms of labor is a frequent desire to relieve the bladder.

453. She has now “grinding pains,” coming on at uncertain periods; sometimes once during two hours, at other times every hour or half hour. These “grinding pains” ought not to be interfered with; at this stage, therefore, it is useless to send for a doctor; yet the monthly nurse should be in the house, to make preparations for the coming event. Although, at this early period, it is not necessary to send for the medical man, nevertheless, it is well to let him know that his services might shortly be required, in order that he might be in the way, or that he might leave word where he might quickly be found.

454. These “grinding pains” gradually assume more regularity in their character, return at shorter intervals, and become more severe. About this time, shivering, in the majority of cases, is apt to occur, so as to make the teeth chatter again. Shivering during labor is not an unfavorable symptom; it proves, indeed, that the patient is in real earnest, and that she is making progress.

455. She ought not, on any account, unless it be ordered by the medical man, to take brandy as a remedy for the shivering. A cup either of hot tea or of hot gruel will be the best remedy for the shivering; and an extra blanket or two should be thrown over her, which ought to be well tucked around her, in order to thoroughly exclude the air from the body. The extra clothing should, as soon as she is warm and perspiring, be gradually removed, as she ought not to be kept very hot, or it will weaken her, and will thus retard her labor.

456. Sickness frequently comes on in the beginning of the labor, and may continue during the whole process. She is not only sick, but she actually vomits, and she can keep little or nothing on her stomach.

457. Now, sickness in labor is rather a favorable symptom, and is usually indicative of a kind and easy confinement. There is an old saying that “sick labors are safe.” Although they may be safe, they are decidedly disagreeable!

458. In such a case there is little or nothing to be done, as the less an irritable stomach is meddled with the better. The sickness will probably leave as soon as the labor is over. Brandy, unless prescribed by the medical man, ought not to be given.

459. She must not, on any account, force down—as her female friends or as a “pottering” old nurse may advise to—“grinding pains:” if she do, it will rather retard than forward her labor.

460. She had better, during this stage, either walk about or sit down, and not confine herself to bed; indeed, there is no necessity for her, unless she particularly desire it, to remain in her chamber.