Preparatory stage.--Precursory symptoms.--First contractions.--Action of the pains.--Auscultation during the pains.--Effect of the pains upon the pulse.--Symptoms to be observed during and between the pains.--Character of a true pain.--Formation of the bag of liquor amnii.--Rigour at the end of the first stage.--Show.--Duration of the first stage.-- Description of the second stage.--Straining pains.--Dilatation of the perineum.--Expulsion of the child.--Third stage.-- Expulsion of the placenta.--Twins, 156 CHAPTER II. TREATMENT OF NATURAL LABOUR. State of the bowels.--Form and size of the uterus.--True and spurious pains.--Treatment of spurious pains.--Management of the first stage.--Examination.--Position of the patient during labour.--Prognosis as to the duration of labour.--Diet during labour.--Supporting the perineum.--Treatment of perineal laceration.--Cord round the child's neck.--Birth of the child, and ligature of the cord.--Importance of ascertaining that the uterus is contracted after labour.--Management of the placenta.--Twins.--Treatment after labour.--Lactation.--Milk fever and abscess.--Excoriated nipples.--Diet during lactation.--Management of lochia.--After-pains, 169 CHAPTER III. MECHANISM OF PARTURITION. Cranial presentations--first and second position.--Face presentations--first and second positions.--Nates presentations, 199 PART IV. MIDWIFERY OPERATIONS. CHAPTER I. THE FORCEPS. Description of the straight and curved forceps.--Mode of action.--Indications.--Rules for applying the forceps.-- History of the forceps, 216 CHAPTER II. TURNING. Turning.--Indications.--Circumstances most favourable for this operation.--Rules for finding the feet.--Extraction with the feet foremost.--Turning with the nates foremost.--Turning with the head foremost.--History of turning, 230 CHAPTER III. CÆSAREAN OPERATION. Indications,--Different modes of performing the operation.-- History of the Cæsarean operation, 243 CHAPTER IV. ARTIFICIAL PREMATURE LABOUR. History of the operation.--Period of pregnancy most favourable for performing it.--Description of the operation, 250 CHAPTER V. PERFORATION. Variety of perforators.--Indications.--Mode of operating.-- Extraction.--Crotchet.--Embryulcia, 256 PART V. DYSTOCIA, OR ABNORMAL PARTURITION. CHAPTER I. FIRST SPECIES OF DYSTOCIA.