764 PLAIN FACTS 



Over this should be placed a large rubber cloth three 

 or four feet wide and six feet long. This should be 

 covered with a comfortable, and a sheet placed over all. 



At the beginning of the second stage the patient 

 should go to bed, and her clothing should be drawn 

 up under her arms, so that it will not be soiled, the 

 lower portion of the body being protected by a sheet 

 or petticoat. The patient may lie on the left side or 

 on the back. If the fetus is strongly inclined toward 

 the right side, the patient should lie upon the left side. 

 During the severe pains which characterize the second 

 stage of labor, the back of the patient should be sup- 

 ported by firm pressure with the hand. The knees 

 should be drawn up, and fixed in such a position as 

 to give them support during the pains. The nurse 

 should take hold of the hand or wrist of the patient 

 to give her an opportunity to make firm traction dur- 

 ing the pain. In the intervals between the pains, if 

 the patient is exhausted, she should be allowed to sleep, 

 if possible, in order to recuperate her strength. Wlien 

 the face becomes hot and flushed, it should be bathed 

 with cool water. As the termination of labor ap- 

 proaches, as indicated by the increasing severity and 

 frequency of the pains, which at this time often become 

 almost continuous, a large pailful of hot water should 

 be brought to the bedside, together with a large pan, 

 to be ready for any emergency. A siphon syringe 

 should be filled with hot water and held ready for use. 

 A bottle of camphor should also be at hand, and a 

 strong cord, made of silk or linen thread twisted and 

 well waxed, with a pair of scissors, should be in readi- 

 ness for prompt use. 



As the head of the child presses severely upon the 

 perineum, the efforts of the patient should be re- 



