THE MCK man's COMPANIOW. 75 



the membranes containing the water wifi which 

 the child is surroonded have been broken before 

 labor has really coromenced, it may then hi ex- 

 pected to take place very soon; though, if Vhe 

 pains have entirely ceased, on the dis^charge tf 

 the waters, the delivery may be delayed for soma 

 days; but it most frequently happens in about 

 twenty-four hours or sooner. This circumstance, 

 may occasion the first part of the labor to be 

 more slow, but not less safe in the end, and 

 should occasion no alarm, as it arises wholly 

 from the fineness of the membranes, which con- 

 tain the waters, and which must rupture in eve- 

 ry labor, at some period or otlier, in consequence 

 of which the waters are unexpectedly discliarg- 

 ed, in a sudden manner, and frequently, without 

 the least preceding uneasiness or pain. A wo- 

 man of reflection, will always be perfectly a- 

 ware that, in a slow labor, she may be afflicted 

 with many distressing, or what have been called 

 false pains, but there ire very few in which na- 

 ture does not intend some good in the end, and 

 may be assisted, or retarded, as we have before 

 observed, by some \% arming and agreeable med- 

 icine. In the first stages of labor it is highly 

 necessary, in most cases, to empty tiie bowels, 

 which may be done by injections, or a dose of 

 any gentle laxative medicine; and in most cases, 

 previous to the commencement of labor, the pa- 

 tient should go through a regular course of med- 



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