A few days preceding labor, there is usually a muco-sanguineous discharge from the vagina. This is called the show. It indicates dilatation of the cervix and relaxation of the vagina. It is often accompanied by _malaise_ and restlessness, and in some by headache and loss of appetite. In 96 per cent. of all cases, the head of the child is the presenting part. At first the long diameter of the head is in the oblique diameter of the pelvis; as it passes the pelvic brim, it turns so as to lie across from back to front, the chin pressing upon the breast, and the crown of the head advancing. The first pains are _grinding_, _scattered_ and irregular, felt mostly in the anterior portion of the pelvis and groin. With these, dilatation of the os progresses, which is often accompanied by severe sufferings, especially when diseased conditions exist. Afterward the pains are in the abdomen. As the head advances there is great suffering in back, hips and groin, with a disposition to _bear down_. This disposition need never be urged by attendant, nor forced by the patient. Old ladies often say, “Bear down! make an effort!” supposing that this will facilitate labor. The fact is that these attempts to assist nature are retarding instead of helpful, and are often the cause of accidents. Nature indicates all effort essential to progress. _The bag of waters_ consists of the membranes which enclose the fetus and liquor-amnii. Protruding through the os, when dilatation is effected, it precedes the head, prepares the way for it, and lessens the liability of contusion of the soft parts. These membranes usually rupture with an expulsive effort, before the close of the labor. The uterus then contracts firmly on the body of the child, and labor advances rapidly to completion. In rapid labor, however, the bag is sometimes expelled entire with the child. The physician requires the assistance of but one attendant besides the husband. This should be an educated nurse or a friend, who can command herself in emergencies. The old time custom of having a neighborhood party on the occasion of an increase of the family, has happily gone out of date. When this custom was in vogue both patient and physician were often seriously annoyed by the crowd of neighbors who thronged the house. Many times the grand “set out” for the table was so expensive as to take the whole month’s salary of the working man, while perhaps the “doctor’s bill” remained long unpaid. Conversation should be cheery and foreign to the occasion. Obscene anecdotes and direful childbirth experiences should be avoided. During the entire process of parturition, the patient should have the advantage of pleasant, comfortable and sanative surroundings. Her mind should be free from care and anxiety. The best in the house should be appropriated to her use. Her room should be light and airy.