ALTHOUGHthesePAINS(in general Terms) are theEffectsof theCompressionof the extendedWomb, hanging on, and bearing too much upon the neighbouringParts, by its Gravity and Weight: Yet the particularCauseof suchSYMPTOMS(in my Opinion) isTwo-fold; and proceeds either from the Abundance ofBloodlodging in theVeinsof those Parts; or from the growingFoetus, so extending theLigamentsof theWomb, as to oblige the neighbouring Parts to sympathize. From hence thebroad Ligamentscause thePAINSof theBackandLoins, answering to theReins, to whichPartsthey are strongly fixed; as theround Onesaffect theGroins,Hips, andThighs, where they terminate. WhichLigamentsare sometimes so violently extended, especially in the first Time ofPregnancy, that (by the Concurrence of any slightprocatarctick Cause) they have been often known to break.
THECureof theseSYMPTOMS, in thefirst Caseabove-mentioned, depends chiefly upon cautiousPhlebotomy, and goodReposein Bed; and in theSecond, upon properSwathes,Unguents, &c.