_The Symptoms preceeding_ Natural Labours.
I shall pass over the Symptoms of Pregnancy, and the Distinctions
of true and false Conceptions, as Things of which Midwives can
seldom be expected to be _proper_ Judges, and proceed to their
Business, _Natural Labours_; comprehending, under this Name, all
such Cases, which require no further Assistance than _Midwives_, in
a general Way, may easily give; or in their Absence a Nurse, or any
sensible Woman, who has attended Deliveries.
After the Woman has gone her due Time of Nine Months, the most
usual Term; the Signs preceeding Labour are Pains about the Back,
Navel and Loins; a considerable Falling of the Tumour of the Belly,
by the Burden’s sinking lower; and incommoding the Woman in
walking; a more frequent Inclination to make Water: These Symptoms
increase in Proportion as the Birth approaches; but as the most
certain Knowledge of _natural_ Births, can only be obtained by
_Touching_ the Woman in Labour, after having premised some Things
concerning her _proper_ Situation; I shall direct how it ought to
be done.