The rectum should be washed out once or twice daily in the interval between the feeding.

Teeth.—­The teeth are often affected during pregnancy, softening and decaying rapidly, causing severe neuralgia.  The teeth should be cleaned frequently during the day to get rid of the secretions of the mouth, and at night before retiring.  Milk of magnesia should be held in the mouth for a few minutes; cavities in the teeth should be stopped with a temporary filling.  Teaspoonful of lacto phosphate of lime can be taken three times a day with benefit.

Constipation.—­The enlarging womb pressing upon the rectum and also irregularity in diet causes constipation at this time.  Daily free bowel movements are necessary to prevent the kidneys from overworking.  As stated before, the diet should be strictly regulated.  Cascara sagrada cordial is a good mild laxative to take, if necessary.

Difficult Breathing.—­This usually comes late in pregnancy and is due to the pressure of the womb upon the diaphragm; the patient should avoid excitement and sleep with the shoulders well elevated.  In the ninth month the womb drops lower and the breathing is better.

Varicose Veins and Piles.—­Varicose veins:  These are due to the pressure on the veins so that the return flow of blood is impeded and occur as a rule late in pregnancy.  They are seen oftenest on the inner side of the thighs, the lower extremities, the vulva, and in the region of the anus.  As a rule, they do not give much trouble.  When they become painful or inflamed the patient should lie down, with the legs elevated and use water of witch-hazel applied with cloths.  Elastic stockings, properly fitted, give much relief when the trouble is on the thigh and leg.

[524 Mothers’ remedies]

Piles.—­When these are troublesome the rectum should be emptied by a small dose of salts, and the parts thoroughly washed with warm water, the piles pushed back and local lotions applied (see treatment of piles).  Hot fomentations of witch-hazel frequently give great relief to the piles as well as to the varicose veins.  Regular movements of the bowels usually will prevent piles.  Piles will not usually give rise to much trouble unless constipation exists.

Albumin in the urine. (Albuminuria).—­While the urine of about six to ten per cent of all pregnant women contains albumin, the appearance of this symptom should always be regarded with apprehension.  Women who are in their first pregnancy are most frequently affected.  If the woman has had disease of the kidneys before her pregnancy began this symptom will likely appear in the early months; if it is caused by pressure, etc., it may not appear until after the sixth month, but both acute and chronic. inflammation of the kidneys may develop at any period of pregnancy.  Dr. Manton, of Detroit, states, “In the majority of cases, the albuminuria is due to the so-called kidney of pregnancy, in which there is no inflammation,