pport and not press upon the womb.

Food.--The food of the pregnant woman should be simple, wholesome,
nutritious, of the kind that is easily digested and enough to satisfy the
demands of her system; excessive eating should be avoided. A mixed diet is
to be preferred, but the diet should be of such kind as to help to
overcome the constipation, usual in pregnancy. Meat should not be eaten in
as great quantities. It not only tends to produce more constipation but
also has injurious effect upon the kidneys, and anything that in any way
puts a greater burden upon the kidneys in pregnancy should be avoided. All
foods that are likely to produce indigestion, heart burn, or irritation of
the stomach and liver, such as sweets, fried, greasy, highly spiced foods;
greasy rich gravies, or pastry should not be eaten.

The heartiest meal should be taken near midday and the stomach, especially
at night, should never be overloaded. Water should, be drank freely, as it
tends to overcome the constipation and wash out the kidneys. Some women do
better with lighter meals and taken more frequently. Some do better by
taking their breakfast before rising.

Bathing.--Extremes in hot and cold bathing should be avoided. The skin
should be kept active by daily comfortable baths, followed by a brisk
rubbing with a rough towel. The Bowels and Bladder.--The bowels, as before
stated, are usually constipated and should be kept open by coarse foods,
fruit and, when necessary, mild laxatives; mineral waters and enemas
especially should not be given. It should not be forgotten that in some
women injections into the bowel are liable to bring on contractions of the
womb.

No woman, and especially no pregnant woman, should ever neglect the
bowels, as much discomfort and ill health are caused by improper
eliminations of the bowel contents. The bladder should also have proper
care. This is apt to be irritable during the early and later months of
pregnancy, owing to being pressed upon by the womb. A mild inflammation
arises in some cases. The woman should take plenty of water, either pure
or effervescing, to induce sufficient secretion in the kidneys, and also
to flush them. This is also very good for an irritable bladder. In order
that the physician may keep himself informed regarding the condition of
the kidneys, the urine of every pregnant woman should be examined, both
chemically and microscopically, every two weeks from the beginning of
pregnancy; dur