[Obstetrics or midwifery 521]

Exercise, Rest and Sleep.—­Plenty of exercise in the open air should be taken daily, without this health cannot be maintained.  It should not be violent or so great as to fatigue and overtire.  Slow riding in a carriage and walking will give the best results.  Horseback riding and riding in an automobile should be avoided.  The woman should sit out of doors as much as possible.  Plenty of sleep is also necessary.  Eight hours are not too much at night, and lying down an hour or two during the forenoon and afternoon is very restful and desirable.

The Vagina.—­When there is a profuse discharge of leucorrhea, a daily vaginal douche is necessary.  This should consist of a quart of warm solution (as much as the water will dissolve) of boric acid, or an equal amount of mild carbolic acid (one to eighty).  The temperature of the solution should be about 100 degrees F., and it should be injected slowly, and without any force to the stream.

It is also best to remain in the recumbent position for some time after the injection, to rest.

The Breast and Nipples.—­These should be bathed once or twice daily in cool or tepid water until the last month or two of pregnancy.  Astringent application should not be applied to the nipples to harden them.  If the nipples are small, undeveloped or retracted they should be pulled out several times daily by the fingers and gently rubbed, and this will usually stimulate their growth.  Cocoa butter or castor oil may be applied during the last month.

Nervous System and the Mind.—­The pregnant woman is very susceptible to annoying conditions of the social and domestic surroundings; such should be removed, if possible, and excitement of every kind should be avoided.  Everything should be made bright and comfortable around her, cheerfulness should be the rule in the home and she should be treated with every care and consideration.  Surroundings will influence the coming baby’s future.

[522 Mothers’ remedies]

Disorders of Pregnancy.—­Nausea and vomiting.—­The simple nausea and vomiting of pregnancy needs no treatment.  This kind generally disappears by the third or fourth month, but it may persist in a mild form during the greater part of pregnancy.  Generally the regulation of the diet and attention to the bowels are all that is necessary to be done for this trouble.  Foods should be chosen carefully and only such foods taken that agree with the stomach and lessen the constipation.  Sometimes taking a light breakfast in bed saves the usual morning sickness.  It is best then to remain lying for some time after eating.  When the condition is annoying the following powder will give much relief:  powder Ingluvin, oxalate of cerium, of each five grains.  Mix thoroughly and take one, every one or two hours as needed.  A physician should be consulted if this trouble is very severe.