When convulsions occur during pregnancy they seldom cease entirely till the uterus is emptied of its contents. It is therefore necessary to bring on labor, and terminate it as soon as possible, after the parts are in a proper condition. When they occur during labor it must also be finished in the shortest time possible, to afford the best chance of saving the child, and also because no treatment will prevent the attack while the patient remains undelivered. All means of bringing on dilatation of the mouth of the womb, mentioned in the article on _Rigidity_, may be resorted to, excepting _Ergot_, which should never be used in these cases. M. Chailly tells us, that in thirteen cases of convulsions _nine_ were first pregnancies, and _seven_ of the females were dropsical. Only _one_ was attacked during pregnancy, _ten_ while in labor, and _two_ after. Only _two_ died, and _ten_ of the children. It is worthy of remark that where pregnant females have had convulsions, apparently from living too high, the children have also had them after delivery. CHAPTER XXIII. RUPTURE OF THE WOMB OR VAGINA. Rupture of the womb arises from various causes, but most usually from powerful contractions when the pelvis is small, or the fœtus large, or when it presents unfavorably. It not unfrequently results also from force being used, particularly with _instruments_. In fact there is no doubt but that _numerous_ females die from this accident, brought on by the violence, haste, and want of skill of their attendants. Few injuries are more serious, or more beyond the reach of any remedy than this, though it is sometimes suffered with impunity. The symptoms of rupture of the womb are strongly marked, and fearfully evident. When it occurs, which is most usually during a powerful contraction, the female shrieks, and instantly complains of an agonizing pain over the seat of the rupture; her face grows deadly pale, her pulse falls, and she faints. In general _death_ is almost instantaneous, though sometimes life may be preserved for an hour or two, but very seldom. There have even been cases of recovery, but they are very few, and regarded almost as miracles.