32 OBSTETRICS. 



the development of the womb is not uniform from the first, but com- 

 mences at the fundus, gradually extending to the body, and last of 

 all, about the fifth month, to the cervix. Up to the fourth month the 

 uterus is generally retained entirely within the pelvis ; shortly after 



Fig. 10. 



this, its fundus may be felt above the symphysis pubis in thin per- 

 sons ; about the fifth month it reaches midway between the pubes 

 and umbilicus, gradually ascending till the eighth month, when it is 

 as high as the ensiform cartilage. After this, although it increases 

 in capacity, it no longer ascends ; on the contrary it rather falls. 

 Its capacity is also greatly increased ; according to Levret's calcula- 

 tions, its superfices may be estimated at 339 inches, and its cavity 

 will contain 408 inches; its length being from 12 to 14 inches, its 

 breadth from 9 to 10, and its depth from front to rear, 8 to 9 inches. 

 The weight of the whole organ and its contents, at full term, is about 

 twelve pounds. The^r;?^ of the gravid uterus differs also from that 

 of the unimpregnated state, and this difference appears to depend in 

 a great measure upon its increase in size, and the form of the cavities 

 it occupies. In the non-gravid state, when it occupies the cavity of the 

 pelvis, its anterior surface, corresponding to the bladder, is flattened, 

 while its posterior aspect is convex. The reverse, however, obtains 

 during the latter half of pregnancy. The anterior surface is now 

 convex., being merely covered by the yielding anterior wall of the 

 abdomen ; whilst posteriorly the uterus is nearly concave, corre- 

 sponding to the prominence of the lumbar vertebrse. This condition 

 of things may be readily ascertained by examining the abdomen of 

 a pregnant female in the last months of gestation, whilst she is lying 

 down. 



The situation and position of the uterus are also changed ; in the 



