Then support the breasts by passing a broad band beneath them, and carrying it over the shoulders, compressing the breasts slightly, but not too greatly. The breast-pump should be used as soon as any distention becomes painful, and the breasts should be diligently rubbed with warm sweet-oil. =If you do not understand your ailments write to Mrs. Pinkham, Lynn, Mass. Her advice is free and always helpful. Such letters are strictly confidential and answered with the help of women only.= CHAPTER XII. TO PREVENT CONVULSIONS AT CHILDBIRTH. =Work of the Kidneys Most Important.=--The kidneys are constantly engaged in removing from the body certain poisonous substances which are held in solution in the urine. If they should fail to do this work, or if no urine should be secreted for even a few hours, most serious consequences would follow. =Cause of Convulsions.=--When these poisons are retained in the system to a sufficient degree they cause convulsions and unconsciousness, and are frequently fatal. The convulsions which some women have at childbirth are caused by this imperfect action of the kidneys. =To Tell If Danger Is Present.=--An examination of the urine at any time will tell whether the kidneys are acting well or not, and thus it is possible to determine whether there is danger of having these convulsions during confinement. Therefore I urge upon all pregnant women the necessity of having their urine examined once or twice during the course of pregnancy, and certainly during the eighth or ninth month. =Albumen in the Urine.=--Imperfect action of the kidneys is shown by the appearance of albumen in the urine. Any competent physician can easily determine whether this albumen is in the urine or not, and if present he can take such prompt measures as to remedy the evil before any serious danger occurs. Of course I know that hundreds of thousands of women pass safely through childbirth and have no unfavorable symptom at all; yet I also know that now and then a most valuable life is lost when it might just as well have been spared as not, if these simple suggestions had been carried out. It is the teaching of all the best medical authorities in the world that this precaution should be taken by every expectant mother.