The Prospective Mother, a Handbook for Women During PregnancySlemons, J. Morris (Josiah Morris)
Science
The Prospective Mother, a Handbook for Women During Pregnancy
Slemons, J. Morris (Josiah Morris)
Obstetrics; Pregnancy
Elastic stockings, which may be purchased from a druggist, serve the
same purpose as the bandage, but are very much less durable. Even if
worn during the day they should be taken off at night; and when
protection of the veins is required after going to bed, the bandage
is the most sanitary way of securing it.
The danger that one of the vessels will break may be disregarded, if
they are constantly protected by the measures that have been
mentioned. In the event of accident, however, make firm pressure over
the bleeding point with a freshly laundered handkerchief, and apply
an ice bag outside the dressing until the doctor arrives.
_Hemorrhoids_.--Hemorrhoids are caused in the same way as
varicose veins of the legs. The two conditions differ merely in point
of location; but hemorrhoids, on account of their location, are much
more exposed to irritation.
Although the development of hemorrhoids cannot always be prevented,
it is a well-known fact that constipation renders the chance of their
appearance much greater. In a measure, therefore, regular, daily
evacuation of the bowels serves to prevent the ailment, and also to
cure it, once it has developed. But walking and even standing
aggravate hemorrhoids. The recumbent posture, as might be expected,
is of itself frequently enough to give relief. It is much more likely
to do so, however, if the hips are elevated by placing a pillow under
them.
In severe cases it is helpful to restrict the diet for a few days
until the congestion and acute suffering have subsided. If the
hemorrhoids protrude, they should be replaced (which the patient may
generally do for herself), and an ice bag should be applied to the
seat of pain. Various ointments and suppositories of different
composition are valuable in the treatment of this ailment, but, as
not all cases are relieved by the same medicine, a physician should
be consulted to learn what is most suitable in any given instance.
Hemorrhoids often grow progressively worse as pregnancy advances, and
are frequently aggravated immediately after the birth of the child;
but they generally disappear within a few weeks. Whenever a natural
cure is not thus effected, it may become necessary to resort to
surgical treatment. Operative procedures, however, should not be
undertaken during pregnancy, since the condition is likely to
reappear before the child is born.
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