Obstetric aphorisms for the use of students commencing midwifery practice / by Joseph Griffiths Swayne.

  • Swayne, Joseph Griffiths.
Date:
1888
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Obstetric aphorisms for the use of students commencing midwifery practice / by Joseph Griffiths Swayne. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Lamar Soutter Library, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Lamar Soutter Library at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

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    iis a large bleeding surface would be thereby exposed, at a time when the uterus would be incapable of close contraction. The binder is especially necessary in twin cases, because th'C bleeding surface, which is exposed by the separation of the placentae, is twice as large as in an ordinary case. ]\Ioreover, the uterus, in conseq^uence of previous over-distension, is more likely to fall into a state of inertia vrlien the labour is over. Inartion of Uterus after Birth of Flrd Child. 42. Sometimes the uterus remains in a state of inaction for a considerable period after the birtli of th>e first child. Should there be no pains within half an hour, you may tighten the bandage, and rupture the membranes. Should there be none within an hour, you may give ergot, as directed in 10, Part II., pro- vided the presentation is natural. If the second child be not born within an hour and a half, you had better send for assistance. Authors are somewhat divided in opinion as to the treat- ment of these cases : some recommend immediate interference, whilst others advise that they should be left entirely to nature ; the majority, however, are in favour of a raiddl-e course. It is not well to interfere too soon after the birth of tlie first child, because the woman may be somewhat exhausted, and may need a little repose. At the same time, it is not advisable to delay interference too long, e.g., for seveml hours, Jjecause the soft parts, which have iDeen well dilated by the first child, Avill have time to contiuct, and thus any operation (such as turning or the application of the forceps) Avhich may be recpiired will be rendered much more difficult. If there are •symptoms of exhaustion after the birth of the second child, a table-spoonful of brandy may be given, together with lUxxx. of tinct, opii.