NUHSING. 281 



then in danger of falling forward, so as not only to produce deformity, but to 

 prove a hindrance during labor. A flannel binder, or one of the abdominal 

 belts sold for the purpose, should in these cases be constantly worn during the 

 daytime. 



Now and then the sickness, already alluded to as a common accompani- 

 ment of the early months of pregnancy, becomes so troublesome and incessant 

 as to cause serious loss of strength. Under such circumstances consult a 

 physician. 



The Urine. — Towards the end of pregnancy it is not at all unusual for 

 there to be some difficulty in passing urine, and for the desire to pass it to 

 become very frequent. Should these symptoms, however, occur during the 

 earlier months, and especially during the third and fourth, a medical man 

 ehoiild be consulted; as they may be due to a displacement of the womb, 

 which requires immediate attention. 



Troublesome heartburn, diarrhoea, palpitation, persistent neuralgia, sali- 

 vation, itching or swelling of the external parts, swelling of the face or ankles, 

 all require prompt attention, and if severe, the personal care of the medical 

 attendant, 



UTERINE HEMORRHAGE DURING PREGNANCY: Its 

 Usual Signiflcaaiee and Temporary Treatment — Placenta 

 Prae via — Precautions after Previous Abortions— Treatment 

 after MisearriagOe 



Uterine Hemorrhage, or a discharge of blood from the womb, dur- 

 ing pregnancy, is usually a sign that miscarriage is threatening, and hence 

 requires prompt medical attention. In summoning a doctor under these cir- 

 cumstances it is always desirable to send a note, rather than a verbal message, 

 and to state clearly the nature and urgency of the case. Meantime an en- 

 deavor should be made to restrain the hemorrhage by causing the patient to 

 lie down, with the head low and a pillow under the hips, by admitting plenty 

 of cool, fresh air into the room, and by ensuring perfect quietness. 



If possible, the services of a trained nurse should be obtained at once, and 

 she, with perhaps one other person, should alone remain in the room. Cloths, 

 dipped in cold water or in vinegar and water, must be applied to the external 

 genitals for a few minutes at a time, the application being frequently repeated. 

 If wet cloths are kept on for a longer period, they are sure to become warm, 

 and so, by acting as a poultice, defeat the object in view, and indeed tend 

 rather to increase than to check the flow of blood. When the hemorrhage con- 

 tinues, or becomes very profuse, the nurse must not hesitate to send for the 

 nearest doctor as well as for the ordinary medical attendant. In such cases it 

 will be desirable for her to take a dry napkin or two, and, having folded them 

 in the form of a pad, to press them forcibly against the external genitals and 

 hold them there. All the discharges, whether solid or fluid, should be care- 

 fully retained for the inspection of the medical attendant 



