The anatomy of human bodies, comprehending the most modern discoveries and curiosities in that art to which is added a particular treatise of the small-pox & measles : together with several practical observations and experienced cures ... / written in Latin by Ijsbrand de Diemerbroeck ... ; translated from the last and most correct and full edition of the same, by William Salmon ...

CHAP XXXIV. Of the Situation of the Birth in the Womb.

WHen I take out a mature Birth out of a dead Mother, I can∣not but admire how so large a Body should be contained within so small a Prison, and move it self, which being once drawn forth, no Art of Man can thrust in again. Now therefore let us observe how the Birth is contained in the Womb.

I. The Situation of the Birth is not always alike, but many times found to be various, which proceeds partly from the Birth it self, partly from the time that the Woman has gone, and her growing near the Time of her Delivery.

The Head is contained in the upper part of the Womb, with the Arms and Thighs contracted together, the Knees nearest the Elbows, the Hands in some plac'd upon the Knees, in some upon the Breast; in others folded together; the Feet are turn'd back inward, so that they touch the Buttocks with the Soles, rare∣ly with the Heels. Whence it comes to pass, that the Legs of Newborn Infants are bow'd inward, and their Feet in the same manner, which fault is easily af∣terwards amended by swathing, by rea∣son of the softness of the parts. Some∣times the Birth lies toward the side, and assumes to it self an overth wart Situation, which is easily perceived by the Woman laying her hand upon her Belly, as al∣so by the swelling out of the side, and the weight falling that way.

II. Sometimes, one, two, or three weeks before Delivery, the Birth turns it self with the Head downward, and lyes much more toward the Lower, pre∣paring for its Exit; which tumble is performed in a short time, though not without some trouble to the Mother, who takes that alteration for a certain Sign of her approaching Labour.

III. About the time of Delivery the Birth changes its Situation several ways; while by kicking and moving

it self to and fro, it seeks to come forth. Hence I believe it is that several excellent Anatomists, who perhaps have viewed such kinds of Births in Women at such times Deceasing, do not agree in the Manner of the Situation of the Womb in the Birth; while some describe the Arms, others the Thighs, or other parts after this or that manner situated in this or that place.

IV. Fernelius asserts that there is a different Situation of Males and Females; affirming that Males lye with their faces toward the Abdomen or inner parts, and Females quite the contrary; and that hence it is, that the Bodies of drowned Women swim with their Bellies downward in the Water, and Men upon their Backs. Which Opinion Riolanns derides as ridiculous, and without reason.

Charles Stephens reports, that Twins observe a contrary Situation; and that one looks toward the forepart, the other toward the hinder part. But this Rule is uncertain, as is apparent from hence; for that sometimes Twins have bin born with their Abdomens, Breasts, or Fore∣heads growing together, which could ne∣ver happen if they lay back to back.

Notes

• How the Birth is contained in the Womb.
• The Inver∣sion of the Birth.
• Change of Situation.
• The Opini∣on of Fer∣nelius.