Chapter II: THE String may fall down double, and so swell with Cold, as to

obstruct the _Passage_, which however is but the smallest Consideration in this _Condition_, because by its hanging down _double_, it may be so shortned, that the _CHILD_ may be detain’d, appending by it in the _Orifice_, until the BLOOD of the _Umbilicals_ coagulating either by _Cold_, or by _Compression_ in the _Passage_, the due _Circulation_ is obstructed, and the INFANT expos’d to the greatest of _Dangers_, if a very speedy _DELIVERY_ does not prevent the fatal Accident.

THE Prudent _MIDWIFE_ ought always to be very sollicitous about this _Case_, making it her particular _Care_ from the beginning of the LABOUR, as soon as perceiv’d by the TOUCH, and before the _Waters_ break, to avert or hinder its either coming _before_, or _along with the_ HEAD, by removing it judiciously according to _Art_. But supposing she comes too late to prevent the _Mischief_, and that the STRING is already in the _Passage_; then it is to be _put back behind the_ HEAD immediately, and kept there until the HEAD be fully directed into and lodg’d in the _Passage_. However it sometimes happens that it cannot be kept-up so _long_, and that the _MIDWIFE_, whatever _Pains_ she may take, cannot hinder it from extruding itself at every PANG: In this _Condition_, I would advise her (without delay) to extract the BIRTH by the FEET, and that notwithstanding the HEAD should be _foremost_.