fore, the diet should be strictly regulated. Cascara sagrada cordial is
a good mild laxative to take, if necessary.

Difficult Breathing.--This usually comes late in pregnancy and is due to
the pressure of the womb upon the diaphragm; the patient should avoid
excitement and sleep with the shoulders well elevated. In the ninth month
the womb drops lower and the breathing is better.

Varicose Veins and Piles.--Varicose veins: These are due to the pressure
on the veins so that the return flow of blood is impeded and occur as a
rule late in pregnancy. They are seen oftenest on the inner side of the
thighs, the lower extremities, the vulva, and in the region of the anus.
As a rule, they do not give much trouble. When they become painful or
inflamed the patient should lie down, with the legs elevated and use water
of witch-hazel applied with cloths. Elastic stockings, properly fitted,
give much relief when the trouble is on the thigh and leg.

[524 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Piles.--When these are troublesome the rectum should be emptied by a small
dose of salts, and the parts thoroughly washed with warm water, the piles
pushed back and local lotions applied (see treatment of piles). Hot
fomentations of witch-hazel frequently give great relief to the piles as
well as to the varicose veins. Regular movements of the bowels usually
will prevent piles. Piles will not usually give rise to much trouble
unless constipation exists.

Albumin in the urine. (Albuminuria).--While the urine of about six to ten
per cent of all pregnant women contains albumin, the appearance of this
symptom should always be regarded with apprehension. Women who are in
their first pregnancy are most frequently affected. If the woman has had
disease of the kidneys before her pregnancy began this symptom will likely
appear in the early months; if it is caused by pressure, etc., it may not
appear until after the sixth month, but both acute and chronic.
inflammation of the kidneys may develop at any period of pregnancy. Dr.
Manton, of Detroit, states, "In the majority of cases, the albuminuria is
due to the so-called kidney of pregnancy, in which there is no
inflammation, but a fatty infiltration of the epithelial cells associated
with anemia of the organ." The urine may also contain casts. Whatever the
cause it indicates a condition of insufficiency of the kidney which may
lead to serious consequences to the mother and it is also injurious to the
(foetus) child. I