The state of intoxication seems by record of several cases to
render birth painless and unconscious, as well as serving as a
means of anesthesia in the preanesthetic days.
The feasibility of practising hypnotism in child-birth has been
discussed, and Fanton reports 12 cases of parturition under the
hypnotic influence. He says that none of the subjects suffered
any pain or were aware of the birth, and offers the suggestion
that to facilitate the state of hypnosis it should be commenced
before strong uterine contractions have occurred.
Instances of parturition or delivery during sleep, lethargies,
trances, and similar conditions are by no means uncommon. Heister
speaks of birth during a convulsive somnolence, and Osiander of a
case during sleep. Montgomery relates the case of a lady, the
mother of several children, who on one occasion was unconsciously
delivered in sleep. Case relates the instance of a French woman
residing in the town of Hopedale, who, though near confinement,
attributed her symptoms to over-fatigue on the previous day. When
summoned, the doctor found that she had severe lumbar pains, and
that the os was dilated to the size of a half-dollar. At ten
o'clock he suggested that everyone retire, and directed that if
anything of import occurred he should be called.
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