ows, they grow larger and more firm. The
nipple becomes more prominent, and the circle around its base altered
in color and structure, constituting what is called the areola, and as
pregnancy advances milk is secreted.

THE PERIOD OF GESTATION,

at which these changes may occur, varies much in different females.
Sometimes, with the exception of the secretion of the milk, they are
recognized very soon after conception; in other instances,
particularly in females of a weakly and delicate constitution, they
are hardly perceptible until pregnancy is far advanced or even drawing
toward its termination.

The changes in the form and size of the breasts may be the result of
causes unconnected with pregnancy. They may enlarge in consequence of
marriage, from the individual becoming stout and fat or from
accidental suppression of the monthly flow.

The changes which take place in the nipple, and around its base, are
of the utmost value as an evidence of pregnancy.

ABOUT THE SIXTH OR SEVENTH WEEK

after conception has taken place, if the nipple be examined it will be
found becoming turgid and prominent, and a circle forming around its
base, of a color deeper in its shade than rose or flesh color,
slightly tinged with a yellowish or brownish hue, and here and there
upon its surface will be seen little prominent points from about ten
to twenty in number. In the progress of the next six or seven weeks
these changes are fully developed, the nipple becoming more prominent
and turgid than ever, the circle around it of larger dimensions, the
skin being soft, bedewed with a slight degree of moisture, frequently
staining the linen in contact with it; the little prominences of
larger size, and the color of the whole very much deepened.

Calculations of the

DURATION OF PREGNANCY,

founded upon what has been observed to occur after casual intercourse,
or perhaps a single act, in individuals who can have no motive to tell
us what is false, are likely to be correct. The conclusion drawn from
these is, that labor usually, but not invariably, comes on about 280
days after conception, a mature child being sometimes born before the
expiration of the forty weeks, and at other times not until that time
has been exceeded by several days. A case is on record where the
pregnancy lasted 287 days. In this case the labor did not take place
until that period had elapsed fr