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 very great importance and may be the danger signals of serious coming trouble. They must not therefore be neglected or lightly considered. When any of them make their appearance send for the physician who has charge of your case, at once, and follow his advice whatever it may be. 1. Any escape of blood from the vagina, whether in the form of a sudden hemorrhage or a constant leaking, like a menstrual period. 2. Headache, constant and severe. 3. Severe pain in the stomach. 4. Vertigo or dizziness. 5. Severe sudden nausea and vomiting. 6. A fever, with or without a chill. * * * * * [93] CHAPTER VIII THE MANAGEMENT OF LABOR