Page:A dissertation on the puerperal fever (1789).djvu/19

 In this view of the matter, let us examine in what form it may be expected to make it's appearance.

The state of pregnancy may be considered as having certain effects on the viscera of the abdomen in particular, and on the whole system in general. The pressure of the gravid uterus is the principal agent in producing them.

The evident consequences of this pressure are, 1. retention of fæcal matter in the intestines, and perhaps in the bladder; 2. diminished excretion of the bile, or difficult entrance into the duodenum; 3. an obstruction to the free course of the chyle; and 4. impeded circulation in the abdominal viscera. The last of these may perhaps be considered as the only one in which the viscera in particular are immediately interested.

The circumstances affecting the system in general, are,—Distension of the fibres of the uterus, which, from an extensive sympathy of parts with this organ, must necessarily increase the irritability of the nervous system:—From an accumulation of putrid matter in the intestines, an absorption of putrescent juices:—The collection of bile in the receptacles of the liver, which, by stagnating, will be exposed to the absorption of it's thinner and most diluting parts, and which will be the means of inducing constipation:—Debility through the want of a nutritious, cooling fluid in the blood.

A combination of these causes with certain peculiarities of the habit may heighthen the predisposition.

The causes dependent on parturition itself are, 1. Irritation