Laryngeal Surgery

We have seen that at an early date in development the movements of respiration have been tried out. For a cry to be heard, however, there must be air in the uterus, with a variable degree of foetal anoxaemia, rise in CO2 pressure, and peripheral stimulation. The cry will be quiet and whimpering if the asphyxia and peripheral stimulation are slight, but loud and gasping if these are severe. It is in the last group that the foetus is distressed and requires immediate delivery. In our case there is little doubt that air was drawn into the uterus along the examining hand between pains, and the long second stage and prolonged manipulation caused partial asphyxia and stimulation of the foetus. Rapid delivery possibly saved the child's life.