The dangers of abortion or miscarriage are often magnified and exaggerated. It is dangerous if produced by a fall, a blow, a kick from a horse, or any other external bodily violence or injury, causing internal contusion, or rupture of some blood-vessels; and, also, but not to the same extent, if produced by sudden fright, violent fits of passion, &c., or from general debility or disease of the uterus; but the danger arises more from the cause which produces the miscarriage, than from the miscarriage itself; as it is well known by those versed in obstetrics that, where it is deemed indispensable to effect a miscarriage, either because of the existence of a deformed pelvis, diseased uterus, or other causes, if skilfully effected, it is attended with no danger, especially in the earlier stages of pregnancy.[43] _Symptoms._ When miscarriage is about to take place, its first symptoms are generally occasional stinging pains at the bottom of the belly, extending across and around the loins and hips; a feeling of fatigue of the legs, pain in the forehead, burning sensation of the eyes. The breasts, which before were distended, become soft and flabby, hot and cold flashes, attended with thirst, fever, and shiverings. In a day or two after the appearance of these symptoms, a discharge from the womb takes place of yellow matter, tinctured with red. If not arrested at this stage, the pains across the loins become more severe and frequent, attended with a sense of dead weight, and bearing down about the womb, the water is discharged, and the expulsion of the contents of the womb takes place. The symptoms of miscarriage, however, vary with the causes which produce them, or the state of habit, age, or health of the patient; some recovering immediately, and rapidly, and with but little inconvenience. Where miscarriage arises from a serious accident, such as violent falls, bruises, &.c., the symptoms are somewhat aggravated, and more severe, and are often preceded and accompanied with violent and profuse floodings and discharges of coagula, in addition to the other symptoms; although moderate flowing is not an unfrequent symptom in miscarriages.