The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; A Study in HygieneGalbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)
Science
The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; A Study in Hygiene
Galbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)
Women -- Health and hygiene
Constipation.-- Constipation is the rule of pregnancy. This is due to
the great pressure that the enlarged uterus makes on the bowel; and as
important as it is at all times to keep the bowels regular, it is at
this time more necessary than ever that the woman should have the
bowels well evacuated every day. A retention of fecal matter in the
body causes the reabsorption into the blood of the toxic matters, with
the resulting headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, and intense
nervousness. To obviate this tendency to constipation, plenty of fruit
and vegetables should be eaten, as well as cereals if the woman is
taking a good deal of outdoor exercise, otherwise the latter had
better be omitted. The woman should drink plenty of water-- at least
three pints a day; this acts as a laxative as well as to flush out the
kidneys. If, in spite of all these measures, constipation still
persists, as it probably will, a seidlitz powder can be taken the
first thing on rising in the morning; or from one teaspoonful to one
tablespoonful of the effervescing granules of the phosphate of soda in
a glass of water, also to be taken on rising in the morning; or
one-half grain of the solid extract of cascara sagrada night and
morning. The object of these is to keep the bowels open, but purgation
must always be avoided.
Bladder Symptoms.-- If there is any irritability of the bladder, any
scalding on urination, or a very great frequency of emptying the
bladder in the early months of pregnancy, a physician should be
consulted at once; in the last months of pregnancy there is a desire
to evacuate the bladder frequently, and sometimes at the last there is
an incontinence of urine, which is due to the descent of the uterus
and the great pressure on the bladder; this condition disappears with
the confinement.
Leucorrhea.-- If this is present to any marked degree, the vaginal
douche should be continued throughout the pregnancy; the temperature
of the douche should be from 110∞ to 112∞ F.; it must never be taken
very hot or very cold. The fountain syringe should be used, and the
bag should not be hung more than three feet above the bed, so that
there shall not be too much force to the stream of water.
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