GESTATION. i^i 



Auscultation, if it could be successfully applied to the larger animals — 

 which are usually uniparous — would doubtless greatly aid in diagnosing 

 whether a gestation was single or multiple. The distinct pulsation of the 

 foetal hearts, especially if at a distance from each other, and if the num- 

 ber of pulsations were different in the respective situations, should be 

 conclusive proof of multiple pregnancy. It would, of course, be important 

 to note the different situations of the pulsations, as the action of the foetal 

 hearts might be at times synchronous. Care would also have to be 

 observed not to confound the beating of the maternal heart with that of a 

 fojtus. 



Position of the Foetus in Multiple Pregna7icy. 



The relative position of the young in the uterus in the cases already 

 briefly alluded to, is important to remember. With regard to each other, 

 it may be said that they usually occupy four different positions : i. Each 

 foetus may be isolated and enveloped in its own proper membranes ; 2. 

 If there are two foetuses they have a common envelope in the chorion, and 

 otherwise have a second separate sac ; 3. Both may be developed in the 

 same cavity and the same amniotic fluid, their membranes being com- 

 mon, and no partition existing between them ; 4. One foetus may be con- 

 tained within the other by" inclusion," as in some of the monstrosities of 

 which we will speak hereafter. It may be necessary, however, to state 

 that the included foetus may be contained in the abdominal cavity of the 

 other individual, constituting deep and abdominal inclusion ; or it may be 

 enveloped in a subcutaneous tumor — when it is superficial and cutaneous. 



In the first variety of gestation, the envelopes, where they are in con- 

 tact, adhere together by means of a fine connective tissue ; the placentae 

 are often confounded (in ruminants), or united by a kind of membranous 

 connection, though their circulation remains distinct. In such a case the 

 young may be expelled from the uterus together — a frequent occurrence 

 in the Goat, according to Rainard ; but more commonly, after the birth 

 of the first foetus, the uterus contracts on itself, enclosing the remaining 

 progeny, which may not be born until some days after — long enough 

 sometimes to give rise to the belief that it is a case of superfoetation. 

 This apparently prolonged retention of the second foetus is generally due 

 to the fact, that the first is expelled prematurely, because of the excessive 

 distention experienced by the uterus ; this organ, having thus got rid of 

 its embarrassment, and become relieved, can then maintain the second 

 foetus until the usual time expires. An illustrative case is given in the 

 Memoires de la Societe du Calvados for 1831-32. A Mare gave birth to a 

 dead foal after four months' gestation, and at the ordinary time a living 

 foal. 



If one of the foals dies in the uterus, the other being contained in a 

 separate envelope, may continue to live and grow. In somewhat rare 

 cases, the dead foetus remains in the uterus, becomes desiccated, and is 

 not expelled until the birth of its companion at the usual period ; or, 

 which is more common, it acts in the uterus as a foreign substance whose 

 presence is irritating, and by inducing contractions of that organ it is 

 extruded, while the living foetus is retained and grows until the normal 

 time for delivery. 



The foetus that has died during gestation may be kept in the uterus for 

 a long time, through close adhesions existing between that organ and the 

 placenta. A case is on record in which a foetus was retained in this man- 



