486 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



10. Settling of the Womh. At the termination of the 

 pregnancy, just prior to childbirth, the womb again 

 settles down into the pelvis, causing a change in the 

 shape of the abdomen. 



The Curse Removed.— Most women look forward 

 to the period of childbirth with great apprehension and 

 anxiety, in consequence of the great suffering which 

 must be endured, and the no small peril to life and 

 health which are involved. Quite an extensive observa- 

 tion has convinced us, however, that a large share of 

 the suffering and danger may be obviated by careful 

 preparation for the event. The following suggestions 

 are particularly important: 



1. The diet should consist chiefly of fruits, grains, 

 and milk. The practice of drinking one or two glasses 

 of water an hour before each meal is an excellent meas- 

 ure of preventing disease of the kidneys. Tea and 

 coffee should be discarded, as they cause a decided 

 increase of the tendency to morning sickness, besides 

 producing nervous irritability. Stimulants and condi- 

 ments of all sorts should be scrupulously avoided. The 

 avoidance of oatmeal and other grains which furnish a 

 large amount of bone-making material, is a doctrine 

 without scientific foundation, as we have elsewhere 

 shown at some length. 



2. An abundance of vigorous muscular exercise 

 should be taken daily. All the muscles of the body 

 should be exercised, particularly those of the abdomen. 

 By these means some of the most troublesome complica- 

 tions of labor may be avoided, and the birth made easy. 

 Among the leading causes of painful childbirth, are 

 sedentary habits. The mother should take regular ex- 

 ercise, even up to the last day. Walking is an excellent 

 form of exercise; and when this can be supplemented 



