It is no longer a matter of doubt that ergot promotes uterine contractions; that it originates them without previous effort of the womb, is questionable. The contractions due to ergot differ from the spontaneous, natural contractions, in being less rhythmical and more tetanic. When large doses of ergot are used, a continuous expulsive effort may be produced. Ergot is indicated in labor when there is uterine inertia, the first stage being completed, and no obstacle existing at the outlet. If given before dilatation is completed, the perinaeum rigid, and the ostium vaginae not relaxed, disastrous consequences may ensue, both to mother and child. On the part of the mother, the violent and continuous pains—the resistance in front remaining—may cause a rupture of the womb, or the resistance may be overcome by laceration of the perinsaeum. On the part of the child, it arrests haematosis, partly by direct action on the placental blood, and partly by the continuous compression of the body; but the chief danger is paralysis of the foetal heart.

It is highly approved by obstetricians at the present time to administer a dose of ergot at the conclusion of the second stage of labor, to insure firm uterine contractions. This practice is held to be the more necessary when previous experience justifies the apprehension of troublesome haemorrhage. When post-partum haemorrhage occurs, it is universally conceded to be. the proper thing to administer a full dose of ergot; but at the same time other measures must be resorted to in order to procure firm uterine contractions, on which alone depends the safety of the patient. In these conditions the ergot is usually administered in substance—one scruple to a drachm of coarsely-powdered ergot infused in a cup of hot water, the whole being drunk by the patient. From 3 j to oz j of the fluid extract may be given instead—the official preparation representing a grain of ergot to the minim.