The hips must be brought to the edge of the bed while the chest and head are pulled over to the other edge of the bed, leaving the legs just enough space to double up along the side of the bed parallel with its long axis. The doctor may now sit on the edge of the bed, or on a high stool at the back of the patient and facing the buttocks. This is a most convenient and easily managed position. As the head is born, the fæcal matter, blood and discharges must be sponged away, and the field kept clean, with the whole perineum visible. Always sponge from vagina toward rectum and throw away the sponge. Should the hand touch nonsterile things or septic material, like fæces, the glove must be changed. The _hands must be kept surgically clean_. It is a part of the nurse’s duty tactfully to warn the doctor when such a thing occurs, as it may happen accidentally while his attention is concentrated elsewhere, and a conscientious man will be grateful for the information. As the head passes the perineum the anæsthesia should be deepened. As soon as the head is born and the first respiration established (see Asphyxia, p. 278), the cord is cut and clamped. There is rarely any necessity for haste in this maneuver. The eyes are treated, and if in a hospital, a numbered tape is tied about the wrist and a tape with a corresponding number about the mother’s wrist. The baby is now placed in the receiving blanket on its right side, with artificial warmth at its back and feet. The head must be lower than the body so any retained mucus can drain out of nose and mouth. Meanwhile, the doctor (or nurse) keeps a hand on the fundus of the uterus to watch its contraction, see that it does not balloon up, and massage it occasionally if necessary while he awaits the onset of the third stage. =Third Stage.=—The patient is turned upon her back as soon as the child is delivered. The pulse and face must be watched for signs of hæmorrhage. While waiting for the placenta, the perineum is examined to note the degree of laceration, if any. To do this, the vulva must be spread apart with clean fingers so as to bring the posterior wall into view, and the discharge is sponged away with cotton pledgets taken from the lysol solution and squeezed dry. The patient may now have the saturated dressings removed and clean, dry ones substituted. The new pads catch the oozing blood and give an estimate of its amount. At this time, if desirable, the perineum can be repaired. The woman is partly unconscious, the tissues numbed, and the needle hurts much less than it will later. Nevertheless, anæsthesia may be required.