If the labor steadily progresses it is necessary to remain with the female and attend to it; but if it be delayed, and everything remains natural, she may be left for a time with advantage. When the second stage is fairly commenced however, and especially after the membranes are broken, the attention should be unremitting. The state of the parts should be ascertained frequently, so that the actual progress may be known, and any necessary assistance rendered. The state of the bladder especially should be observed, and if it be full and the female unable to urinate, the catheter should be passed. Neglect of this precaution may lead to serious accidents. While making the examinations, the hand should be introduced with great care, so as not to bruise or lacerate the parts, and it should not remain longer than absolutely necessary. Many females exhaust themselves unnecessarily by bearing down, and straining, with great force, from the very commencement of labor, under the mistaken idea that it is necessary to do so, or will assist. They should be told not to do so however, till after the membranes are broken, and not even then unless the neck of the womb begins to dilate. They should also be told not to make any effort except _during a pain_, as it will not assist at any other time. No attempt should be made, under ordinary circumstances, to rupture the membranes, or dilate the mouth of the womb, even though nature may be slow in doing so. Patience must be practised, both by the female and by her assistant, and sometimes it is severely tried. When the waters have escaped, and the orifice is opened, an examination must be made, to discover whether the cord has descended, or either of the arms, as is sometimes the case, and if so, they must be returned if possible. As the head descends to the bottom of the pelvis it compresses the rectum, and produces a feeling as if the bowels must be moved, or even causes them to be so. This is apt to distress the female, and make her wish to rise, which cannot be permitted. If anything of the kind occurs no notice should be taken of it, or she may even be assured she is mistaken, while a clean napkin may be interposed. This, as Dr. Chailly observes, will soothe her delicacy. Such an accident is very apt to occur towards the end of the labor.