After the ovule has thus become fixed in its unnatural bed for development, its growth goes on for a longer or shorter time, according to the strength of the membranes; usually till about the middle of the ordinary term of utero-gestation, sometimes even to the full term. At last, the membranes, for want of sufficient protection, burst, and their contents are poured out into the abdominal cavity; and there results a rapidly fatal inflammation of the peritoneum of the ill-fated mother. Sometimes the maternal surface of the placenta becomes ruptured, so as to produce fatal hemorrhage. In other instances the first shock is withstood; the contents of the cyst become absorbed, or again encysted, as any foreign, body may be, and the female nor only survives but may even enjoy good healths for years. In some cases the foetus itself perishes at about the full term, and makes its exist by means of fistulous openings through the abdominal parietes or otherwise.
The diagnosis of such cases of extra-uterine pregnancy can most easily be effected by observing that while the other signs of pregnancy are present, the os tincae and neck of the uterus do not change, do not soften from below upwards; and the uterus itself will be found nearly in its normal condition, except in cases where the pregnancy is interstitial.
Treatment.- In the present state of our science, nothing can be done in these cases, till the latter half of gestation. Then a successful termination of this unhappy state of things may be accomplished by means of the Caesarean section, either through the abdominal walls, or through those of the vagina, according to the circumstances.
