Unusual Obstetric Cases
Year: 1868
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: She had been unfortu- nate in previous confinements-the first was tedious, terminated by the use of forceps ; the second complicated by prolapse of the cord, causing death of the foetus ; the third ended in giving birth to an atrophied and premature dead child.Her last labor took place a year previous to the above date.On taking charge of the case, at 5 o'clock, A.M., the vagina was found distended by the bag of waters, and the breech ascertain- ed to be the presenting part of the foetus.The pains were good, but, as is usual in breech cases, the progress of the labor was slow.At 9 o'clock, A.M., the left hip had engaged in the upper strait of the pelvis.Soon after, I left the room for a few mo- ments, and on my return was informed by the patient that the pains had left her back, and that she had just experienced the feel- ing as if something had torn within her, followed by a distressing and burning sen- sation in the abdomen.She lay perfectly quiet, and answered questions distinctly, but frequently referred to the abdominal uneasiness.Pulse 132.Labor pains had ceased.On examination, my worst fears were realized.The foetus had receded be- yond reach, and blood flowed somewhat freely from the vagina.That the uterus had ruptured was beyond doubt, and the husband was informed of the sad state of things.In order to give the mother a chance of life, it became necessary to re- move the foetus from the cavity of the ab- domen.Dr. Reynolds was called, and kindly rendered assistance in the difficult matter of extracting the child, which was
Source: New England Journal of Medicine
Author: A. D. Sinclair
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2325461981