4. Is it possible for a woman to become pregnant eight weeks after her last confinement?—This is undoubtedly possible, but it is of rare occurrence. It is also probable that a woman may abort at the end of the time above mentioned. Husband knew a woman, who for several years bore a child every ten months.
At common law, in cases of disputed inheritance, the following may occur, and give rise to the necessity for medical evidence on the subject: A woman who has just lost her husband may disappoint the expectant heirs to an estate by alleging that she is pregnant.
At criminal law, pregnancy may be used as a stay to the infliction of capital punishment.
In the first case, a jury of matrons is impanelled by a writ de ventre inspiciendo, to decide the existence of pregnancy, and if the fact be proved, to watch till such time as she be delivered.
In the second case, in England, the pregnancy must be proved, and also whether she be quick with child. In Scotland the pregnancy must be proved, but without reference to quickening, and the jury of matrons is unknown in that country. In the same country, if it can be shown that a woman is pregnant, and that her life or that of the child is endangered by her imprisonment, she may be admitted to bail till after delivery. A pregnant female also cannot be compelled to appear and give evidence, if on competent authority it be shown that her delivery will probably take place at the time fixed for the trial.
Signs of Pregnancy
The diagnosis of early pregnancy in ordinary cases is by no means easy, especially before the third or fourth month of gestation; but to the medical jurist it is still more difficult, as he has to deal with cases where he can scarcely expect much candour. No opinion should, however, be given without taking into consideration the collective value of the signs, as no one sign will afford sufficient data on which to base an opinion. The signs furnished by auscultation are the most reliable, but the position of the fœtus may render the sounds of the fœtal heart and placental souffle difficult to detect.
The following may be taken as among the most important signs of pregnancy, given in the usual order of their occurrence: