Painless labour: with special reference to the newer therapeutic measures

Abstract

SECT. 1. INTRODUCTION: . The author avers that the parturient mother should', receive some anaesthetic or analgesic to relieve the .pains of childbirth should they become unbearable.

The qualifications necessary for this agent.

SECT. 2. HISTORICAL. The care of the child bearing mother may be taken as an index to the degree of civilisation of a community.

The great advances made in anaesthetics and hypnotics during the last century.

SECT. 3. MECHANISM AND COURSE OF LABOUR. The mechanics of labour under the Powers, the Passages and the Passenger.

The importance of the best mechanical delivery is stressed as being important in the production of an easy labour.

SECT. 4. METHODS OF SECURING ANALGESIA AND ANAESTHESIA. Arranged under the headings: Inhalation anaesthesia, Hypnotic and analgesic drugs, Local anaesthesia and Hypnosis and suggestion.

The pharmacological action of the drugs with a view to their utility in securing painless labour.

SECT. 5. METHODS OF CHOICE AND SPECIAL INDICATIONS. Chloral and Bromide, Nembutal and Chloral, Morphine, Morphine and Scopolamine are methods described as being satisfactory in the early stages - with a selection of method for the degree of pain anticipated.

Nitrous Oxide apparatus and apparatus for giving Chloroform a la reine are described. The importance of suggestion is fully discussed. The failure of regional anaesthesia and the excellence of Spinal anaesthesia with Percaine gone into.

SECT. 6. CLINICAL. The clinical effects of each method are tabulated under the corresponding method.

The author's personal cases are given exemplifying the methods of choice, with their effects under different conditions and notes of criticism about each.