_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:— [Illustration: _a_—The vagina. _b_—The uterus.] A partial descent of the uterus gives rise to painful dragging sensations about the groins and fundament, and it is usually attended by the “whites,” or leucorrhœa, a disease of which mention is presently made:— [Illustration: Partial descent of the uterus. _a, a, a_—Vagina. _b_—Uterus.] If _prolapsus_ takes place during pregnancy, the womb impresses upon the bladder and rectum, and occasions irritability of both those structures; but as pregnancy advances, and as the womb ascends into the abdomen, these inconveniences cease, and the womb oftentimes regains its tone and position after child-birth. The womb sometimes protrudes externally, and is a source of great distress. See drawing:— [Illustration: Prolapsus uteri. _a, a_—Vagina. _b_—Uterus.] The treatment in these cases is chiefly mechanical, beside supporting the general health. The first symptoms, however, demand efficient attention, and the medical attendant should be made acquainted with every particular. It is a question whether the weakened condition of the supports of the womb, and the consequent relaxed state of the vagina, are not owing to the manner in which women clothe themselves. The pelvic part of the female is kept always in a state of unnatural warmth, from the load of petticoats and other unnameable female attire. Contrast but the difference between the simple unlined trowsers of the male and five or six-fold clothing of the other sex: either the one must yield too much warmth, or the other must strike too cold. The sedentary habits of women have of course much influence.