Changes in the =ductless glands= are in much the same category. Functional disturbances of these glands occurring at any time may give rise to great irritability, excitability or to other mental symptoms. A non-pregnant woman with even a very slight degree of hyperthyroidism, for example, may be noticeably unstable mentally or emotionally. Since there is evidently an inter-relation and inter-dependence of the functions of the ductless glands, and since ovulation, the function of one of these glands, is suspended during pregnancy, we can readily believe that other glands would undergo changes as a result. Alterations in the thyroid are particularly apparent as it becomes enlarged and more active in the majority of pregnant women, as does also the anterior lobe of the pituitary body. This increased activity may tend to compensate for the suspended function of the ovaries. But the alterations in the functions of the other glands, compensatory though they be in part, apparently produce much the same sort of nervous symptoms that they are capable of producing in a non-pregnant woman. Taking the condition as a whole, pregnancy is usually characterized by an improved state of health. During the first few months there may be lassitude and loss of weight, but the latter part of the period is notable for an unusual degree of general well being and for an increase in flesh over the entire body, which may amount to as much as twenty-five or thirty pounds. About fifteen pounds of the increased weight is lost at the time of labor and a still further reduction occurs during the succeeding weeks when the mother’s body returns approximately to its original condition. But it sometimes happens that the improved state of nutrition acquired during pregnancy becomes permanent. There was a time when you were not, You merry sprite, save as a strain, The strange dull pain Of green buds swelling In warm, straight dwelling That must burst to the April rain. A little heavy I was then And dull—and glad to rest. And when The travail came In searing flame ... But, sprite, that was so long ago!— A century!—I scarcely know. Almost I had forgot When you were not. —EUNICE TIETJENS. PART III THE EXPECTANT MOTHER