CHAPTER XV.

THE CHANGES WHICH PRECEDE, ATTEND AND FOLLOW CHILDBIRTH.

(Continued.)

The formation of the sacs about the germ of life.--Spontaneous segmentation.--Formation of Blastodermic membrane.--The embryonic spot.--The different membranes which enclose the embryo.--The gathering of "the waters," or the amniotic fluid.--The office of the amniotic fluid.--The growth of the embryo described by Dr. Guernsey.--The rudimentary embryo at five weeks, at seven weeks, two months, and ten weeks.--At end of the fifth month the embryo known as the fetus.--Changes indicated at time of birth.--Man fearfully and wonderfully made.--Bodily changes of the mother as parturition approaches.--The descent of the womb.--Enlargement of vagina and external parts.--The coming away of "the plug," or "the show."--Premonitory pains.--Undue apprehensions of danger.--Wonderful changes that take place in the body of the mother at birth of child.--Changes in the body of the child after its birth, 233