tes too much activity on the part of the child and defeats the purpose
in view. This is apt to be the case in very thin women when the abdomen is
not covered by a sufficient layer of fatty tissue. These women will find it
advisable to take, in place of the sitz bath, a sponge bath in a warm room,
using the water rather cool than hot but in a warm room. Rub your skin [88]
briskly but waste no time in getting into bed. A glass of hot milk, before
going to bed, or when wakeful during the night, may serve as a preventive.
When these measures fail the physician should be called upon to advise and
prescribe.
PTYALISM, OR AN EXCESSIVE FLOW OF SALIVA.--This is a common condition in
pregnancy, but cannot be prevented. It is of no importance other than that
it is a temporary annoyance.
Itching of the abdomen can usually be allayed by a warm alcohol rub,
followed by gently kneading the surface of the abdomen with warm melted
cocoa butter, just before retiring.
A VAGINAL DISCHARGE.--Soon after pregnancy has taken place the woman may
notice a discharge. It may be very slight or it may be quite profuse. In
some cases it does not exist at all during the entire period. As a rule the
discharge is more frequent and more profuse toward the end of pregnancy.
If the discharge exists at any time,--and it is no cause for worry or alarm
if it does exist,--inform your physician. He will advise you what to do,
because it is not wise for you to begin taking vaginal douches or
injections without his knowledge, and at a time when they may do you
serious harm. Should itching occur as a result of any vaginal discharge the
following remedial measures may be employed:
A solution of one teaspoonful of baking soda to a douche bag of tepid water
may be allowed to flow over the parts, or cloths saturated with this
mixture may be laid on the itching part. A solution of carbolic acid in hot
water (one teaspoonful to one pint of hot water), is also useful, or a wash
followed by smearing carbolic vaseline over the itching parts. If your
physician should suggest a mild douche for itching of the vagina as the
result of a discharge, it may be promptly relieved by using Borolyptol in
the water. Buy a bottle and follow directions on the label.
TESTING URINE IN PREGNANCY--IMPORTANCE OF.--One of the most important
duties, if not the most important, of both the physician and the patient is
to have the urine of the pregnant woman examined every month during t
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