There are many phenomena more readily discovered by medical men accustomed to the accoucheur’s employment than describable, that indicate pregnancy; the sinking of the abdomen, the descent and closure of the uterus, the altered facial looks, the state of the pulse, &c., &c.
From the fourth month, when the womb ascends into the abdomen, the signs are more positive: the protrusion of the navel, the evident enlargement of the belly, the tenderness and fulness of, and occasional escape of milk from, the breasts, clearly point out the occasion.
About the fifth month, the movements of the child are very apparent to the mother, when all doubt is removed.
There are some conditions of female life that assimilate to pregnancy, and which have defied the judgment of matrons, and even medical men, but they are rare—such as dropsy of the abdomen, or ovaries, tumors, accumulations of wind, &c. These, with the suspension of menstruation (which last is but an uncertain sign, for it may depend upon cold, fever, or inflammation), have destroyed the anticipations of fond wives, and have alarmed those who desire not to become mothers.
Parturition takes place at the end of the ninth month; but children born at the end of seven will live, and examples are related of some that have “gone” ten. In France, legitimacy is allowed to children born on the 299th day of pregnancy.
Labor is distinguished by a softening of the soft parts of the female organs of generation, an abundant secretion of mucus, a relaxation of the mouth of the womb, and a forcible contraction of its body. The expulsion of the child is effected by pains of a straining nature. After the birth of the child, the womb contracts to its normal or unimpregnated size, giving forth a discharge, called the lochia, that lasts for several days, and the breasts immediately furnish the secretion of milk.
Previously to entering upon the consideration of the diseases arising from infection, and for which this book was originally composed, a word or two may be said upon a condition of the womb, unfortunately of frequent prevalence, called prolapsus uteri, or falling of the womb. Such occurrence may take place with single females as well as with married, or those who have borne children. It may be held as the result of debility; and according to the degree of descent is the inconvenience and suffering. The first drawing exhibits the natural position of the uterus:—
| a—The vagina. b—The uterus. View larger image |
a—The vagina.