Dr. Conquest's outlines of midwifery : intended as a text-book for students, and a book of reference for junior practitioners.

  • Conquest, Dr.
Date:
1854
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Dr. Conquest's outlines of midwifery : intended as a text-book for students, and a book of reference for junior practitioners. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    separated placenta to be excluded by the uterine efforts; by this means the womb contracts more effectually than when tractile force alone is used. — J. M. W.] In some rare instances, the placenta is thrown off, and lies loose in the uterus, preventing the complete contraction of the organ. Whenever that is the case, there can be no hesitation about the propriety of carefully withdrawing it, but not unless the uterus has firmly contracted on it. Internal irritation of the uterus with the hand, and external pressure and friction, together with the aj)pli- cation of cold, and the exhibition of the ergot of rye, are the principal means on which our dependence must be placed to re-excite the action of the uterus, and without which a woman is not secure. Whenever the uterus is found to be uncontracted, the hand is to be gently passed into it; and, when introduced, to be freely but tenderly moved about within its cavity. Whilst this is being done, an as- sistant may employ friction to the abdomen, round which a broad bandage should have been previously applied, that it may be gradually tightened without disturbing the patient; or whilst the left hand of the accoucheur is in utero, the right may grasp the uterus externally; a measure which is often eminently con- ducive to the attainment of the object so much to be desired. If these means be employed (and especially such a degree of pressure by a pad and bandage as will cause the parietes of the uterus to press against each other).