Chapter III: IT also happens sometimes, that the STRING without hanging down, is

variously compress’d betwixt the HEAD and the _Bones_ of the PELVIS, which (stopping or impeding the _Motion_ of the BLOOD) soon occasions the INFANT’s inevitable Death.

IN which _Case_, if pressed against the OSSA PUBIS, having laid the _Woman_ on her _Back_ with her _Head low_, and the _lower Part of her Body raised_, I would press _back_ the INFANT’s _Head_, and put the _STRING_ as much as possible behind it; upon which, then I would bring the _Head_ forthwith into the PELVIS, unless it be more convenient to _turn_ and _extract_ it by the _FEET_.

AS also, tho’ seldom, it may happen, that the _Umbilical_ may be _pressed back_ by the HEAD against the OS SACRUM: In which State of Affairs, I would turn the _Woman_, if Strength may permit, upon her KNEES, whilst I employ either _Hand_ on the _Back Part_, in order to remove the HEAD, how firmly soever fixed: Whereas if the _Patient_ be weak, I would lay her upon either _Side_, drawing up one _Foot_ to her _Belly_, for the Advantage of obtaining more Room, in order to effect the same Thing; which, tho’ difficult, is no impossible _Task_ for the expert _MIDWIFE_.

BUT if it chances to be pressed against either of the OSSA ILIA, having laid the _Woman_ on the contrary _Side_, with the _lower Part_ of her Body elevated, I would remove the _HEAD_ with the opposite _Hand_, and free the _STRING_; proceeding otherways as in the former _Cases_, with _HEAD_ or _FEET_, as I should find most convenient.

IV. AGAIN, it also sometimes comes to pass, that the _STRING_ is found lying upon the _Forehead_, which is indeed most _dangerous_; but it is easily removed with good Judgement to the _Temples_ of the HEAD, which I take to be a safe _Position_, because there the _Pressure_ is much less aggravated.