Menorrhagia.—This is better known as "profuse menstruation." Just what constitutes an unnatural loss of blood cannot be stated, as each woman is a rule to herself. From experience she knows just about what is the normal amount she should lose each month and retain her health and strength.
When this amount is more than natural, especially when sufficient to produce weakness and prostration, then it becomes "profuse."
Occurs in the Full-Blooded.—Profuse menstruation may occur in those who are very full-blooded, or in those who are extremely weak and pale. When occurring in the former, the person usually complains of a dull, heavy, throbbing headache, pain in the back, and other symptoms of fever. Such persons recover from an excessive flow of blood quite promptly, and do not suffer severely from it.
Occurs in the Pale.—On the other hand, when this condition occurs in those who are very weak, pale, and thin, there is usually great prostration, which may even become most alarming.
Treatment for the Former.—When profuse menstruation occurs in those who are full-blooded, the diet should be quite simple and plain. Indeed, it would be better if the person should take but two meals a day and should eat but little or no meat. Immediately upon the appearance of menstruation she should go to bed and remain there as quiet as possible, for in this way the pain and fever will be less and the amount of the flow greatly diminished.
Treatment When Pale and Debilitated.—It is a much more serious matter when this excessive loss occurs in those who are pale and debilitated. Often the most energetic measures are necessary even to preserve life itself. The following rule should be observed when possible:—Just as soon as menstruation appears, the person should go to bed and remain there quietly until the flow is nearly over.
Of course it is an easy matter to give these directions, and exceedingly hard, often quite impossible, for them to be carried out. Many women have work that must be done, or children who must be cared for during these days just as well as any other time, and it is almost out of the question for them to remain quiet.
Yet the question seems to be whether they will remain in bed two or three days at this time, and then have far better health for the rest of the month, or whether they will drag along through all the month. We would certainly urge that this suggestion be carried out as often as possible, and that for one or two days the person keep as quietly in bed as possible.
When Very Excessive.—If the flow is very free, then the foot of the bed may be raised three or four inches by placing blocks of wood under each lower corner. This will tend to check the flow.
Wonderful Cures Possible.—Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound has made some most startling and almost miraculous cures in just these conditions. An immense number of letters are on file from women who have despaired of relief, given up all hope, and who were confirmed invalids until after taking this famous remedy. Its continued use heals the inflammation in the cavity of the uterus, causes a better circulation through that organ, makes the blood richer, strengthens the digestion, and thus greatly improves the general health.
Relief is Prompt.—The very next month after beginning its use the flow is diminished, the next month it is still less, and so on, until soon there is only a regular, natural menstruation.
A Happy Change.—And what a change this means to suffering women! It means new life, new hope, new ambition, new courage. It means work better done, children better cared for, and all social and domestic duties better performed. I am indeed most happy in being able to tell suffering women what prompt relief Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound is sure to bring them.
In these cases I always recommend the use of the Vegetable Compound in the form of Lozenges, or Pills.
Metrorrhagia.—When there is great loss of blood at other times than during the menstrual period, it is given the technical name of metrorrhagia. It means "uterine hemorrhage."
Keep the person quietly in bed, and have the foot of the bed raised as suggested above. If the hemorrhage is at all severe, a physician should be summoned in order that a careful examination may be made and the cause of this unusual occurrence thoroughly understood.If you do not understand your ailments write to Mrs. Pinkham, Lynn, Mass. Her advice is free and always helpful.All such letters are strictly confidential; only women assist her in answering them.
Inflammation of the Uterus.—Inflammation of the uterus may be either acute or chronic. When acute, as following an abortion, taking cold during menstruation, etc., there is considerable fever, pain in the lower part of the bowels, nausea, and sometimes vomiting, tenderness on pressure over the uterus, pain when passing the urine and general discomfort.
Treatment of the Acute Form.—The treatment consists in having the person remain quietly in bed, applying bottles of hot water to the feet, if they are cold, and keeping cool cloths over the head if hot from the fever. In this way the circulation may be better balanced, and the tendency to congestion relieved.
Then take a flannel cloth about six inches square, dip it in hot water, and wring as dry as possible with the hands; now sprinkle ordinary spirits of turpentine freely over one side, and place this side directly over the centre of the lower part of the bowels, that is, just over the uterus. Cover this flannel with another warm, dry flannel, and allow it to remain on until the smarting is quite pronounced, or the skin red. Then remove this, and apply hot cloths wrung from hot water. Use the turpentine cloth again in four or six hours, if the tenderness and pain still persist.
Only One Medicine Needed.—Begin at once with Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, in order that the attack may be cut short. This the Compound will certainly do if taken faithfully according to directions.
After the acute attack is over, if there is any constipation, this should be relieved by Lydia E. Pinkham's Liver Pills; and if there is any discharge from the uterus, Lydia E. Pinkham's Sanative Wash should be used once or twice each day, in order to hasten recovery all that is possible.
Chronic Inflammation.—It is not exaggerating in the least to say that probably 75 out of every 100 women in the world have more or less chronic inflammation of the uterus.
Causes.—The causes of this are many, as improper dress, which constricts the waist, and presses down upon the delicate organs in the pelvis; improper attention to the health at each menstruation; over-work; anxiety; miscarriages; unskillful treatment at childbirth, etc.
Lives of Suffering and Sorrow.—What miserable lives women have to endure who go about from day to day with a chronic inflammation of the uterus. Each hour there is that dragging, pulling, bearing-down pain; that heavy weight; that terrible depression; and that feeling of abandoned hope. Yet hundreds of thousands, I might say millions of women have had all this suffering and sadness turned to joy and comfort, simply by taking Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound.
Stories Almost Beyond Belief.—The stories received from our friends seem almost beyond belief. The most striking of them cannot be printed because I fear my readers would think such cures were quite impossible. The letters tell as terrible stories, as frightful conditions as could possibly exist, and yet all this has quickly and promptly changed to robust health by the use of Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound. So often has this been reported that there is not the least room for doubt.
I Speak Positively.—I am not guessing in this matter; it is altogether too serious; there is too much at stake. So I urge upon you to give Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound a thorough trial, feeling positive, without the slightest question of a doubt, that you will be quickly and permanently cured.
Leucorrhœa.—This is also known as "the whites, or the female weakness." It is a symptom of inflammation of the uterus; and that this disease is so prevalent is again proved by this almost universal ailment among women.
It is characterized by a white discharge from the vagina which often becomes very irritating, and is especially bad just before or after menstruation. It is a symptom that should not be allowed to go untreated, for it shows that there is serious trouble which may bring about an incurable condition. Yet when properly treated, it may be quickly remedied, and all danger removed.
Treatment.—First of all, it is necessary to remove the inflammation that exists in the uterus itself. This is done by the persistent use of Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound. As I have described elsewhere, this will remove all congestion, heal the inflammation, and bring about a healthy circulation. For this I strongly recommend that Lydia E. Pinkham's Sanative Wash be also used with a syringe for local treatment.[1]
This should be used each night as a vaginal injection, according to directions, thus thoroughly cleansing the parts, and entirely relieving all irritation which these acrid secretions are sure to set up.
If this discharge has been irritating enough to cause any chafing, eruption, itching, or uncomfortable sensation of any kind about the external parts, then the Sanative Wash should be used for bathing the parts; the relief will be immediate, and the cure very prompt.
May Be Quickly Cured.—I speak with great positiveness here, because of vast experience and because of the universal success of this treatment. I do not believe there is a case of leucorrhœa which cannot be relieved and soon permanently cured by this treatment. There is no delay; relief comes at once. A great improvement in all the symptoms is very marked, even after the second or third day of treatment.
Neglect Causes Ulceration.—I would add a word of caution here to women who are afflicted in this way, as the retention of these discharges is likely to produce an irritation about the mouth of the uterus which will result in serious ulceration, and even be the means of producing the most serious and most incurable diseases.
Ulcers on the Uterus.—Because of the low condition of the system, thin blood, and the local inflammation in the uterus itself, ulcers may form about the mouth of the uterus. These are accompanied by more or less pain, a sense of heaviness and weight in the lower part of the bowels, and a whitish discharge similar to that of leucorrhœa only frequently streaked, or tinted, with blood. The discharge continues about the same all through the month between the days of menstruation. This condition should have the same treatment as that mentioned above for leucorrhœa, and the recovery will be equally prompt.
Early Treatment Necessary.—If women only understood better how easy a matter it is for these ulcerations to widen and deepen until some incurable and terrible disease results, they would be more prompt in taking treatment, especially when this is sure to be followed by a perfect cure.
When the blood is thin and poor, and when the weight is reduced, Lydia E. Pinkham's Blood Purifier should be used regularly.
The Blood Purifier, the Vegetable Compound, and the Sanative Wash, have done as great work in preventing serious disease as in curing it.
Displacement of the Uterus Forward.—The uterus may be displaced either forward, backward, or downward. By referring to the illustration in the first part of this book, it will be noticed that the uterus naturally tips slightly forward, so that when it is displaced forward, the condition is simply an exaggeration of its natural state.
Causes Bladder Trouble.—By referring to this illustration again, it is at once apparent that this tipping forward must bring about some difficulty with the bladder, and such is the case. The most marked symptom is painful and frequent passing of the urine, with a dull and heavy pain across the lower part of the bowels. Often this weight is so increased by walking that the person can be upon the feet only a short time without causing discomfort and pain.
This condition may be brought about by some unusual effort at lifting, jumping, or straining, or especially by wearing too tight clothing about the waist, tight lacing being probably the most frequent cause of all.
The Cure.—The general treatment here consists in taking a thorough course of treatment with Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, in order to strengthen the ligaments of the uterus which hold this organ in place. When the condition of the system is improved, the nerves strengthened, and the blood made more rich by the use of this Compound, then these ligaments partake of this general improvement, and by becoming more tense, bring the uterus back into position.
Displacement Backwards.—The uterus may be tipped backward, in which case it will rest against the lower bowel. The principal symptom here is pain in the lower part of the back, as if a movement of the bowels were necessary. There is great discomfort in walking, because of this sense of pressure. The pain is always increased when the bowels move, and is associated with a sense of obstruction, and painful menstruation is very common.
The Treatment.—Here the same treatment should be followed as mentioned for the opposite condition above. In the first place, the bowels should be kept in good condition by the use of Lydia E. Pinkham's Liver Pills, taking these in just sufficient amount to cause a free movement of the bowels daily. Then thorough and prolonged treatment with Mrs. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound will give such strength and tone to the ligaments about the uterus that they will again bring back this organ to its proper position.
Falling of the Womb.—The most distressing of all these displacements is that known as "prolapsus, or falling of the womb."
The most frequent cause of this condition is complete relaxation of the ligaments which naturally support this organ. When the ligaments become weak, they easily stretch, and thus allow the uterus to fall down into the vaginal canal, even nearly to the surface of the body.
Symptoms.—This displacement causes irritation of the bladder and lower bowel, discomfort in walking, painful menstruation, leucorrhœa, a dragging pain in the back, and most marked bearing-down pain in the lower part of the body.
The Cure Is Certain.—The treatment of this most distressing affection is usually followed by prompt and permanent results. Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound should always be taken, because of its great power to relieve all inflammation and give strength and tone to the ligaments which hold up the uterus. Lydia E. Pinkham's Sanative Wash should be used, also, for its cleansing and strengthening properties, on the local parts. If a sitz bath-tub is in the house it may be used to great advantage in these cases. A single pail of water will be sufficient, and should be as hot as can be comfortably borne. If a tub of this kind is not at hand, then an ordinary bath-tub may be used, having in it sufficient water to come well over the hips when the person sits in it.
The One Permanent Cure.—By taking Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, these relaxed ligaments are given strength and tone so that they assume their former power. As they gain strength they contract, pulling the uterus up into its natural position, and holding it there permanently.
I can most positively assure every woman who is suffering from all the discomfort and terrible distress which always accompany falling of the womb, that she may be promptly and most perfectly cured if she will only follow my advice.
An Abundance of Proof.—So many letters have come from women who have suffered and have been cured that it is not possible for a reasonable person to doubt what they say. I can only urge all affected with these complaints to give Lydia F. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound a good trial, feeling perfectly assured that they will be abundantly satisfied in every way. If you do not understand your ailments write to Mrs. Pinkham, Lynn, Mass. Her advice is free and always helpful. Such letters are strictly confidential communications from one woman to another who will never betray the confidence.
[1]Every woman suffering from uterine or vaginal troubles should own and use a syringe. I would recommend the use of Ruth Paxton's Improved Fountain Syringe. I believe it is the only one that will convey the solution to every part of the vaginal cavity. The ordinary syringe is inadequate. It can be obtained by sending to The R. Paxton Company, 221 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass. Price $1.75, postpaid—registered letter or postal note. It will repay you a thousand times to take the trouble to send for it, as the recoveries from disease are quicker when it is used. Anyway, send two-cent stamp for her little book of information. You will see by the letters it contains how the syringe is regarded by those who are using it.
Ovaries, Congestion of.—This disease usually comes from taking cold during menstruation, from some injury, extra strain during lifting, or from some slow inflammatory process.
The symptoms are pain and tenderness in one or both sides of the lower part of the body. There is more or less continuous pain, which is always worse in standing or walking. The tenderness in the sides is increased during menstruation, especially if pressure be made over the part. Sometimes the pain is quite severe when the bowels move. There is always a feeling of distress, frequently associated with nausea, and often more or less fever.
Treatment.—For treatment the person should have as good surroundings as possible, and should take complete rest during menstruation.
In order to relieve the congestion in these parts and thoroughly control the pain, Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound should be taken at once.
Removal of Ovaries.—This condition of the ovaries gave rise to the practice of removing these organs. Just as soon as a woman consulted a physician and complained of tenderness over the ovaries, he was sure to advise her to have these organs removed.
Less Operating Than Formerly.—But this practice is rapidly passing away, and the very surgeons who were so anxious to operate a few years ago are now found advising against it. This is because of the serious results which follow this operation. While the pain and tenderness inthese parts would be relieved, yet the profound and overwhelming impression made upon the nervous system, by producing such a remarkable change in the life of the woman, was even worse than the disease itself.
Results of Removal of Ovaries.—Women who have had their ovaries removed are frequently the victims of hysteria, melancholia, extreme nervous prostration, insomnia, and other distressing and dangerous complaints.
Surgical Operations Unnecessary.—Then, again, it is becoming well known over the whole country that Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound can relieve congestion and pain so thoroughly that the surgeon's knife is unnecessary. I am so confident in this belief that it hardly seems possible that any woman would continue to suffer in this way, when it is so useless. I know we can make every woman perfectly comfortable and at rest, no matter how long she may have suffered, if she will only follow our simple directions.
The One Certain Cure.—All she has to do is to keep her bowels in good condition by taking Lydia E. Pinkham's Liver Pills, and at the same time take a thorough course of treatment with the Vegetable Compound. If you have any friends or neighbors who are suffering from this disease, and who fear that it will lead to ovarian tumors, which must ultimately necessitate a dangerous surgical operation, I urge upon you to tell them the story of this Vegetable Compound.
Always Brings Good Cheer.—It has brought happiness to so many homes, has relieved so much suffering, and has cheered and comforted so many thousands of women, that I am sure you will be doing a great deed of charity if you will only aid in spreading this glad news.
Tumors of the Uterus.—The uterus is subject to tumors, or growths, the symptoms of which are much like those of chronic inflammation. As a rule, the person suffering from these tumors knows nothing whatever of their existence until some competent physician has told her such is the case.
Fibroid Tumors.—The most common tumors are known as fibroids. They are often small, and yet sometimes attain a considerable size.
Until within a few years surgeons were always anxious to operate upon these tumors; but this is now largely done away with, for they are not fatal in themselves, and only become serious when they attain an exceedingly large size, or, what is more frequently the case, cause excessive flowing during or between the menstrual periods.
Tumors Cured Without the Knife.—In these cases Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound shows its remarkable power to great advantage. By establishing a better circulation through the uterus, and relieving the congestion in the surrounding parts, and by giving strength and tone to the smaller blood-vessels, the hemorrhage is controlled and the inflammation is reduced. The tumors cease to grow, diminish in size, and disappear altogether under its influence.
Vagina, Inflammation of.—Occasionally there is an acute and most intense inflammation of the vagina caused by exposure to cold, irritating discharges from the womb, the use of pessaries, supporters, or some contagious disease.
Many women suffer from this complaint towards the close of menstruation, when the discharges are acrid and most irritating.
Promptly Cured.—This inflammation can be promptly cured by the frequent use of Lydia E. Pinkham's Sanative Wash. Prepare this strictly according to the directions on each package, and use it as a vaginal injection two or three times a day. The cure will be hastened by employing a sitz-bath (sitting in a tub of hot water, or in a bath-tub).
To Prevent Extension of Disease.—In order to prevent the inflammation from extending into the uterus, it is always wise to take Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound for a few days after an attack of this kind.
Pruritus, Itching.—Pruritus, or itching of the external parts, is a most annoying affection, which often renders life itself almost unendurable. Its most frequent cause is due to irritating discharges from the uterus or vagina. Quite a large per cent of the women who are passing through the "change of life" are troubled in this way.
It is also a marked symptom of diabetes, or "sugar in the urine;" and if the itching is associated with an unusually large flow of urine, together with dryness of the mouth and extreme thirst, there is a probability that the person is suffering from diabetes. In such a case a specimen of the urine should be taken to a competent physician, and he should be asked to make a thorough examination of it in order to definitely determine this point.
Treatment.—The treatment of pruritus consists in keeping the parts thoroughly cleansed by frequent vaginal injections of Lydia E. Pinkham's Sanative Wash, even three or four injections daily; and also bathing the external parts with the same solution.
Can Be Promptly Controlled.—Although medical writers so generally claim that this disease is almost impossible to relieve, and although they recommend the application of severe caustics, yet I have never found any difficulty in promptly controlling and curing this affection by the faithful and persistent use of Lydia E. Pinkham's Sanative Wash as a local application and the Vegetable Compound for its constitutional effects.
Constitutional Treatment Necessary.—Although this disease shows itself in only one place, yet the difficulty is in the whole system, and can only be thoroughly removed by the internal use of Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound. Thousands of letters from women tell that their life of agony, distress, and sleeplessness was changed to one of perfect comfort almost immediately upon the use of these remedies.
Bladder, Inflammation of.—Sometimes the inflammation of the vagina and uterus is so severe that it involves the bladder; or an irritable condition of the bladder may be produced by a pregnant uterus pressing forward against it; or the uterus may be tipped forward a trifle more than natural, and thus press against the bladder sufficient to cause irritation.
Symptoms.—The principal symptom of congestion or inflammation of the bladder is a frequent desire to pass the urine. This act is almost always painful, and is sometimes accompanied with spasmodic contractions of the walls of the bladder, causing severe straining.
May Become Chronic.—If treatment be neglected, this condition easily becomes chronic, when it is very difficult to cure. Prompt treatment in these cases is strongly urged because it can be cured in every instance, and thus an immense amount of suffering avoided.
Treatment.—If possible, the person should remain in bed or recline on a couch. The diet should consist largely of liquids, nothing being better than good milk. Meats, rich soups, and all pastries should be avoided.
Mrs. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound should be taken at once, because of its most happy effect in relieving congestion and inflammation of all the pelvic organs. Indeed, here is one instance where the Vegetable Compound is alike useful to both sexes. The most flattering testimonials have come from men who have tried this remedy "because it was in the house," and who were most happily surprised to find that the relief was prompt and the cure speedy. For all irritable conditions of the bladder, whether of recent or old standing, I do not believe there is a remedy in the world that holds out such great promises of complete relief equal to Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound.
The Menopause, or "Change of Life."—This is a cessation of menstruation. It usually occurs between the ages of forty and fifty years, although frequently before and even after this time.
Symptoms.—The person first notices that although menstruation had previously been regular, yet now it has become irregular, not appearing more frequently than once every six weeks or two months; or possibly passing over a month, and then appearing regularly again for the following two or three months; or the flow may be less and less month after month, until gradually it disappears altogether; or, not infrequently, menstruation ceases abruptly, without any warning whatever.
A Natural Condition.—The change of life should be a perfectly natural condition, not associated with any unpleasant symptom whatever. Yet this is rarely the case, while often the suffering at this time is most intense in every way.
Affects Nervous System.—The most severe effects are frequently produced on the nervous system. These are known as "heat flashes." It is a marked symptom with a great many women, and is described as a sensation of waves of heat passing over the body. Sometimes these are very severe, causing the face to become very red, producing dizziness and intense headache.
Often there is melancholia, great depression, and not infrequently complete prostration of the nervous system. The digestion may be disturbed, producing constipation, diarrhœa, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, offensive breath, biliousness, etc. Most marked changes are certainly taking place in the whole system, and it is but natural that every part of the body should be profoundly impressed.
Not Expensive Treatment.—I cannot urge too strongly upon my readers the necessity of their taking Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound all through these remarkable changes.It is not a great expense to take this Vegetable Compound in moderate doses four times a day for weeks, or even months, during these changes.
A Critical Time.—If this period of life be passed over in safety, then there may be years and years of robust health remaining; while if it be not attended to properly, the remainder of the life may be one prolonged day of agony. Even when persons have suffered during all their menstrual life, they can now have perhaps a score or more of years of complete relief if they properly care for themselves during this change.
Keep Under Its Influence.—Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound is a great tonic in itself, bracing up the whole nervous system, aiding digestion, and causing all the forces of the body to act more in accord with nature.
Then it has a special influence over the uterus and ovaries; indeed, so marked is its power to correct disease that all the trying days of the "change of life" may be passed over in perfect safety, if only the system be continuously kept under its influence.
May Be Made Easy and Natural.—Women who have been dreading this change, and who have been made to look upon it as something horrible to pass through, may now lay all such anxiety aside, for Mrs. Pinkham long ago solved the problem of making this time of life as healthy and natural as any other.
It is not claiming too much to say that if women everywhere will only take Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound through this trying time, they will come out of it feeling better in every way than they have felt for many years.If you do not understand your ailments, write to Mrs. Pinkham, Lynn, Mass. Her advice is free and always helpful. Such letters are strictly confidential and answered with the help of women only.
Sometimes Difficult to Tell.—Even the most skilled physicians sometimes make mistakes in stating that pregnancy exists when it does not.
The First Sign.—The most valuable and striking sign of pregnancy is the cessation of the monthly periods; yet even this is not always reliable. Sometimes menstruation continues for three or four months, especially during the first pregnancy, although this is exceedingly rare. As a rule, to which there is hardly an exception, if menstruation ceases in a married woman who has previously been regular, she is, in all probability, pregnant.
Other Signs.—Another important sign is the enlargement of the abdomen, although this cannot be detected much before the fourth month. A valuable sign, also, is the enlargement of the breasts, with a widening and browning of the pink ring around the nipples. Enlargement of the breasts often begins as early as the second month, and is quite marked by the fourth or fifth month.
Morning Sickness.—Morning sickness is a symptom present in the majority of cases. It usually consists of a marked nausea upon rising, and perhaps vomiting. This may last only a few hours in the early morning, or continue through the greater part of the day. It generally appears in the second month and lasts only through the third month, although, in bad cases, it may continue through the whole period, and very seriously affect the health.
Treatment.—There are any number of remedies recommended for the treatment of this morning sickness. What will cure one case seems to be perfectly useless in another.
It has been my experience that the best way to manage these cases is as follows: Have the person take a slice of toasted bread, or a toasted cracker, with a little coffee if desired, while in bed, remaining there at least half an hour after eating. Or, the person may take a glass of milk to which two tablespoonfuls of lime water have been added. Then, by rising slowly and moving about carefully, it is often possible to go through the day without any sickness whatever. I have known many cases to be entirely relieved by eating a little ordinary pop-corn.
The Morning Meal.—The morning meal may consist of milk to which a little lime water has been added; or a poached or soft-boiled egg. Sometimes scarped beef, lean and rare, salted and spread on very thin bread, quiets the stomach at once, while it is highly nourishing.
Only One Medicine Needed.—It is surprising what happy changes Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound brings about in this condition. The irritability subsides, the digestion is greatly improved, the nervous system is strengthened, and all these uncomfortable and disagreeable symptoms pass away. The Compound should be taken in small doses three times a day, after meals.
A Bandage May Relieve Nausea.—An abdominal bandage will sometimes relieve the morning sickness, if placed snugly, but not too tightly, about the body. It need be worn only a week or two, for a trial, and should always be taken off at night. If the nausea persists during the day, then let the food be light and taken in small amounts, at frequent intervals.
"Quickening."—This is another sign of pregnancy. The word refers to the detection by the mother of the movements of the child. Although, without doubt, the child moves within the mother at a much earlier period, yet these movements are too feeble to be noticed until pregnancy has advanced four or four and a half months.
Other Symptoms of Pregnancy.—Other symptoms are morbid longings for unusual articles of food, as sour apples, vinegar, charcoal, clay, slate pencils, etc. These longings, however, should not be satisfied, as they do not represent the demand of nature for these substances. They belong to the same class of changes which are shown by a marked difference in the disposition of a person whereby the lively and cheerful woman becomes melancholy, gloomy, and irritable.
Diet During Pregnancy.—The diet during the whole of pregnancy should be generous, yet easily digestible. A great many women do not change their diet at all, and if the person is in good health and does not suffer in any way, there is no reason whatever why the diet should be changed, unless the evening meal be made somewhat lighter.
Eat Sparingly of Meat.—It is always wise not to eat meat more than once a day. This is because a meat diet throws more work upon the kidneys, and any failure of the kidneys increases the probability of serious trouble at childbirth.
So far as is known, there is no foundation for the belief that any special article of diet has any particular effect upon the development of the child.
Care of the Breasts.—The care of the breasts during pregnancy must be commenced early. All pressure of the clothing should be removed, in order to give them full opportunity to develop. They should be kept warm, however, and well supported, if the size renders them uncomfortable.
Mothers Should Nurse Their Children.—Statistics show that the summer diarrhœas and dysenteries, which carry off such immense numbers of children each year, are almost unknown among babies that nurse. It is the artificially fed child which suffers from wasting diseases and disturbances of the digestion which are so fatal to life. Therefore, every prospective mother should do everything in her power to prepare for the proper nursing of her child.
Care of the Nipples.—If the nipples are flat, they can be pulled out gently each day with the fingers, and thus the difficulty entirely remedied. At the beginning of the last month of pregnancy, the nipples should be hardened in order that nursing may be painless, and that all fissures, or cracks, may be avoided.
Every morning and night apply the following solution to the nipples with a piece of absorbent cotton:—
Allow this to remain on the nipple. This cannot be used after confinement, for the bitter taste would be objectionable to the child.
Can Sex Be Foretold?—Mothers often wish to know if it is possible to determine the sex of the child before it is born. Although a great deal has been written on this subject, and a number of so-called rules have been made, yet it is absolutely impossible to tell whether the child will be a boy or a girl; and it is also equally impossible to do anything that could in any way exert an influence in producing a child of the desired sex.
To Tell Time of Confinement.—For two hundred and eighty days, or forty weeks, the prospective mother has been conducting herself in the best way she thought possible, that all good might be exerted upon the new life. The question now comes, When may the day of confinement be expected? I give here a table for calculating this day, which I am sure will be found very convenient.
OBSTETRICAL TABLE.January12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Oct'r89101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311234567Nov.Feb'y12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728Nov'r8910111213141516171819202122232425262728293012345Dec.March12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Dec'r67891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112345Jan.April123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Jan'y6789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311234Feb.May12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Feb'y56789101112131415161718192021222324252627281234567Mar.June123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930March8910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123456April.July12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031April7891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301234567May.August12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031May89101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311234567June.Sept'r123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930June891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301234567July.October123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930July891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301234567Aug.Nov'r123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930Aug.8910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123456Sept.Dec'r12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Sept'r7891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301234567Oct.