The Classical Doctrine of Indian Medicine: Its Origins and its Greek Parallels c8.189

c8.189

It seems that verse 3 alludes to the different periods of confinement. If the foetus can be killed when it is descending, this is during its entry into and passage of the pelvic canal where it can die in case of prolonged labours. The seated foetus appears to be one that presents itself by its seat. If this manner of presentation is not the most dangerous, it is at least the most frequent of abnormal presentations. Lastly it is at the time of coming out that the child slips fast because of the last contractions which no longer meet with any resistance, and because of the viscous coating covering the child. There also the child is exposed to dangers such as a violent fall or a serious drawing of the cord.