First lines of the practice of midwifery: to which are added remarks on the forensic evidence requisite in cases of foeticide and infanticide / By Charles Severn.

  • Severn, Charles.
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: First lines of the practice of midwifery: to which are added remarks on the forensic evidence requisite in cases of foeticide and infanticide / By Charles Severn. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    descended into the cavity; but after the head has passed the brim, this cannot be accomplished, and if of large size, it is sometimes necessary to use the perforator. 10. Retroversion of the uterus. This is one of the most serious and alarming displacements to which the uterus is liable. It occurs usually in women who have wide and capacious pelves, and may be occasioned by inattention to the regular evacuation of the bladder. The uterus falls backwards, the fundus is placed posteriorly, and the os uteri is pushed forwards against the symphisis of the pubes; the viscus thus lies across the pelvis transversely, producing tenesmus, constant weight, and bearing down, and difficulty in voiding, or total suppression of the urine. It is readily discoverable on examination. A large tumour will be felt, pressing on the rectum, and the finger cannot generally be passed far into the vagina, being intercepted by the neck of the uterus. When this displacement has occurred, the bladder must be kept empty, the bowels evacuated by enemas, the warm bath should be employed, and the patient being placed on her hands and knees, pro- perly supported, two fingers or a piece of cane, or whale- bone, with a sponge firmly attached to its extremity, should be introduced into the rectum, and used to raise the uterus, by a gradual and firm, but gentle pressure on its fundus; we shall generally thus succeed in elevating it above the promontory of the sacrum, and the brim of the pelvis, where it will remain, as its increasing size will soon render its descent, and consequent retroversion, impossible.