The vascular system undergoes a considerable change; the actual quantity of blood in the circulation appears to be increased; the pulse is harder, stronger, and more full; in many instances the blood, when drawn, exhibits the buffy coat, as in cases of inflammation; the vagina is more vascular, it is warmer, and the secretion of mucus considerably increased; there is a disposition to headach, and occasional flushing of the face; the animal heat over the whole body is increased. In the nervous system we also observe distinct evidences of a change having taken place: the irritability is increased; there is weariness, lassitude, and a peculiar alteration of taste and disposition; women, who otherwise are of a cheerful disposition, are now gloomy and reserved, and _vice versâ_; in some the temper becomes fretful and hasty, and in those who are naturally so, a most agreeable change for the better is sometimes observed.[30] Some are liable to spasmodic affections, palpitations, spasmodic cough, vomiting, fainting, headach, toothach, &c.: under this head will come the "morning sickness," which is so commonly observed during the first weeks; the nature and treatment of which will be considered under the DISEASES OF PREGNANCY; on the other hand, women who are constantly suffering from spasmodic affections, for instance, asthma, &c. are now entirely free from them, and appear to be insensible to causes which, in the unimpregnated state, would induce an attack. To changes in the nervous system must we, in great measure, attribute not only the sickness just mentioned, but also those extraordinary longings or antipathies for certain articles of food or drink, and in some cases, as in chlorosis, for substances which, under other circumstances, would excite disgust. In many, the changes in the function of the digestive apparatus does not amount to actual disease, the stomach merely refusing to digest articles of food which before had agreed with it: but in others, producing severe cardialgia, acidity, or even vomiting. Hence, we not unfrequently observe that women who had hitherto enjoyed a good digestion, now suffer from dyspepsia, and are obliged to be exceedingly careful in their diet; whereas those, in whom the digestion had been previously weak, are now able to digest almost any thing. The secretions of the whole alimentary canal are altered both in quality and quantity; the saliva frequently becomes tenacious, white, and frothy (_Dewees_,) and at times is so much increased in quantity as to amount to actual salivation; the secretions of the stomach are remarkably altered, as shown by the copious formation of acid in some cases during pregnancy; the mucus is ropy, and frequently vomited up in considerable quantities. The bowels are in some cases much relaxed; in others, constipated. This latter condition, however, may in part be attributed to the pressure of the gravid uterus obstructing the peristaltic motion.