=Skin.= Under ordinary conditions, the skin serves as a protective covering for the body, helps to regulate the body temperature and acts constantly as an excretory organ. This last function is performed by the sweat glands which open upon the surface of the body, and we are told that there are some twenty-eight miles of these minute, tube-like structures in the skin. These glands should be, and usually are, constantly active and they daily pour upon the surface of the body an oily substance that lubricates the skin and something over a pint of water containing waste matter, that is inimical to health if retained in the body. We are not aware of this constant excretion of fluids, which, therefore, is termed “insensible perspiration,” but it continues even in cold weather and must not be interrupted if health is to be preserved. If the oil, dust, particles of dead skin and the waste material left by dried perspiration are allowed to remain upon the surface of the body, they will clog the pores and gland openings and thus interfere with their functions. The removal of this material, then, is an imperative health measure. This is done automatically, in part, for the fluid evaporates, and much of the solid matter is rubbed off on the clothing. But the most important aids to the skin’s activity are the drinking of plenty of water, deep breathing, exercise and warm baths; baths serving the double purpose of removing waste matter already on the surface, and stimulating the glands to increased activity in giving off still more. This explains the importance to the expectant mother of thorough and regular bathing, and of keeping her body evenly warm. Most doctors advise a warm, not hot, shower or tub bath every day, with soap used freely over the entire body, followed by a brisk rub. The best time for this warm, cleansing bath, as a rule, is just before retiring, as it is soothing and restful and tends to induce sleep. Very hot baths are fatiguing, particularly during pregnancy, and should never be taken except with the doctor’s permission; but cold baths usually may be continued throughout pregnancy if the patient is accustomed to them and reacts well afterwards. Under these conditions the morning cold plunge, shower or sponge is beneficial, as it stimulates the circulation and thus promotes the activity of the skin. Some doctors forbid tub bathing of any kind after the seventh month, on the ground that as the patient sits in the tub her vagina is filled with water, which may contain infective material. Should labor occur shortly afterward an infection might result. As the patient is heavy and somewhat uncertain on her feet, there is also the danger of her slipping and falling while getting in or out of the tub. Other doctors permit tub baths throughout pregnancy, up until the onset of labor; while as to hot foot baths, there seems to be no reason for or against them at any time during the nine months.