Note 7 — OBSERVATIONS ON ABORTION.

This contraction is sometimes so firm after the membranes have burst, as to produce the same effect upon the child, as the natural pains would have done had the pelvis been deformed; that is to say, the presentation becomes unshapely, and the part below the stricture is swelled and livid. This spasm, like that which sometimes retains the placenta, is very difficult to be relaxed, and, in general, requires artificial management. If it come on at the full time, before the membranes break, it may give such a feeling to the lower part of the ovum, as to make it resemble a preternatural presentation, although the head really present. In this case, the band is generally pretty broad, but its contraction is not violent. It has the effect, however, of retarding labour, until we break the membranes, which excites a more general and effective action in the uterine fibres.