Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c11.13.1

c11.13.1

The approach of delivery is known by the following symptoms : relaxation of limbs, fatigue in the eyesight and in the eyes, looseness and feeling of loosening of the bonds of the breasts, sinking of the belly and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, stinging in the breasts, bladder, hips, sides and back, pain and twitching in the genitals, loss of appetite, expectoration, evacuation and passing of urine and mucus discharge from the vagina. Then begin the birth-pains and discharge of uterine liquid. As soon as the birth-pains begin, an amulet is tied to her (AS, AHr), blessings are given to her, fruits with names of male race are given in her hand, male children are kept around her, she is anointed and bathed with warm water and is given to drink a large quantity of rice-gruel. She should lie on a low and soft bed, with bent thighs and curved back, with the face turned upwards. The bed should be covered with cushion and a red bull-hide (AS). There should be four experienced and courageous women of advanced age and with clean clothes before whom she may not feel shy, who have cut their nails and who cheer her with friendly words. Then fragrant powder should be given her repeatedly to smell; she should be perfumed and anointed with lukewarm oil particularly on the genitals, whereby the coming out of the foetus with head below is expedited.