expanding the mouth of the womb. This bag of waters generally breaks spontaneously during a violent pain. When it breaks in the beginning, it constitutes what is called "dry labor" which may last longer on account of the absence of the assistance spoken of. It usually breaks in the second stage, although it may do so at any time, particularly if the pains are strong, and the membrane weak.
The mother should he made acquainted with the existence and the necessary bursting of this bag, lest she should be frightened at a sudden and unexpected gush of so much water.
should be announced: his entering the room unannounced may give the patient a shock. Even modesty requires this caution. After he has made his examination, he should be invited to another room. He will accept willingly; for he knows that the patient will thus feel less constrained than she would in his presence.
Admit no one to the room except the nurse or a female friend requested by herself.
Under no circumstance, permit idle curiosity to peer into that room. Keep out officious women whose services are not needed. Stop every conversation regarding hard labors, or accidents happened to other parturients. This is impera- tive. Physicians know, to their regret, how many labors have been kept lingering by the influence of these mis- chievous conversations on the mind of the patient.
The husband should bear himself manfully; and, in his. expressions of love and sympathy, he should not show that
