forcing downwards, may make her miscarry. She ought alway to avoid all
nauseous and ill smells; for sometimes the stench of a candle, not well
put out, may cause her to come before time; and I have known the smell
of charcoal to have the same effect. Let her also avoid smelling of rue,
mint, pennyroyal, castor, brimstone, etc.

But, with respect to their diet, women with child have generally so
great loathings and so many different longings, that it is very
difficult to prescribe an exact diet for them. Only this I think
advisable, that they may use those meats and drinks which are to them
most desirable, though, perhaps, not in themselves so wholesome as some
others, and, it may be not so pleasant; but this liberty must be made
use of with this caution, that what they desire be not in itself
unwholesome; and also that in everything they take care of excess. But,
if a child-bearing woman finds herself not troubled with such longings
as we have spoken of, let her take simple food, and in such quantity as
may be sufficient for herself and the child, which her appetite may in a
great measure regulate; for it is alike hurtful to her to fast too long
as to eat too much; and therefore, rather let her eat a little and
often; especially let her avoid eating too much at night, because the
stomach being too much filled, compresseth the diaphragm, and thereby
causeth difficulty of breathing. Let her meat be easy of digestion, such
as the tenderest parts of beef, mutton, veal, fowls, pullets, capons,
pigeons and partridges, either boiled or roasted, as she likes best, new
laid eggs are also very good for her; and let her put into her broth
those herbs that purify it, as sorrel, lettuce, succory and borage; for
they will purge and purify the blood. Let her avoid whatever is hot
seasoned, especially pies and baked meats, which being of hot digestion,
overcharge the stomach. If she desire fish let it be fresh, and such as
is taken out of rivers and running streams. Let her eat quinces and
marmalade, to strengthen her child: for which purpose sweet almonds,
honey, sweet apples, and full ripe grapes, are also good. Let her
abstain from all salt, sour, bitter and salt things, and all things that
tend to provoke the terms--such as garlic, onions, mustard, fennel,
pepper and all spices except cinnamon, which in the last three months is
good for her. If at first her diet be sparing, as she increases in
bigness, let her diet be increased, f