victim of fright, or is badly scared, or witnesses a
terrifying or tragic sight, her child will be, in some way, affected by it.
If the incident is not of sufficient gravity to cause an abortion or a
miscarriage it will not, in any way mark, or affect the shape of the child
in the womb.
It is believed by some that a child can be marked by reason of some event
occurring to the mother while carrying it. This is not so; a child cannot
be marked by any experience or mental impression of the mother. Some
believe that the actual character of a child can be changed by influences
surrounding the mother while carrying it. The character of a child cannot
be changed one particle after conception takes place, no matter how the
mother spends her time in the interim.
It should be carefully understood that the character of the baby is
entirely different from the physical characteristics of the baby. Were this
not so it would be futile on the part of the mother to discipline or
sacrifice herself in the interest of her baby. The baby's character will
reflect the qualities of the combined union of mother and father. The
baby's physical characteristics will largely depend upon the treatment
accorded it by the mother during its intro-uterine life. Hence we lay down
rules of conduct, diet and exercise in order to produce a good, sturdy
animal, while the character or mind of the animal is a part of the
fundamental species already created. In other words, no matter how much
care you bestow upon a rose bush, its flower will still be a rose,--it may
be a better rose, a stronger, sturdier rose, a better smelling and a more
beautiful rose, but it is still a rose.
CONTACT WITH INFECTIOUS DISEASES.--The pregnant woman should be warned
against the danger of coming in contact with any person suffering from any
infectious or contagious diseases. To become the victim of one of these[91]
diseases near the time of labor would be a dangerous complication not only
to the mother, but to the child. A woman is more liable to catch one of
these diseases during the last month of pregnancy than at any other time.
The most dangerous diseases at this period are Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria,
Erysipelas, and all diseased conditions where pus is present.
AVOIDANCE OF DRUGS.--It is a safe rule during pregnancy to avoid absolutely
the taking of all medicines unless prescribed by a physician.
THE DANGER SIGNALS OF PREGNANCY.--The following conditions may be of ver
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