A fetus
was delivered by the midwife. Valsalli was summoned and found the
woman with an enormously distended abdomen, within which were
felt numerous fetal parts; but no fetal heart-sounds or movements
were noticed. The cervix was only slightly dilated, and, as no
pains were felt, it was agreed to wait. On the next day the
membranes were ruptured and 4 more fetuses were delivered.
Traction on the umbilical cord started hemorrhage, to check which
the physician placed his hand in the uterine cavity. In this most
arduous position he remained four hours until assistance from
Lugano came. Then, in the presence of the three visiting
physicians, a sixth amniotic sac was delivered with its fetus.
The woman had a normal convalescence, and in the following year
gave birth to healthy, living twins. The News says the children
all moved vigorously at birth; there were 4 males and 2 females,
and for the 6 there was only one placenta The mother, according
to the same authority, was thirty-six years of age, and was in
her second pregnancy.
Multiple Births over Six.--When we pass sextuplets the records of
multiple births are of the greatest rarity and in modern records
there are almost none. There are several cases mentioned by the
older writers whose statements are generally worthy of credence,
which, however incredible, are of sufficient interest at least to
find a place in this chapter.
Pages:
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309