Perhaps there is no more eventful period in the history of woman than
that in which she first becomes conscious that the existence of
another being is dependent upon her own and that she carries about
with her the first tiny rudiments of an immortal soul.

THE SIGNS OF PREGNANCY

are various. Many females are troubled with colic pains, creeping of
the skin, shuddering, and fainting fits immediately on conception
taking place. Where such symptoms occur immediately after connection,
they are a certain indication of impregnation.

A REMARKABLE CHANGE

takes place in the face in most cases, varying in time from three days
to three months. The eyes are dull and heavy, and present a glassy
appearance; the nose pinched up; the skin becomes pale and livid, and
the whole countenance appears as if five or ten years' advance in life
had been taken at a single step.

Another important and remarkable sign, and one the most to be relied
on, is an increase in the size of the neck. This often occurs at a
very early period, and many females, by keeping a careful daily
measurement of the neck, can always tell when they are pregnant.

A suppression of the menstrual flow is another strong presumptive
sign. It is true a partial flow of the menses often occurs after
pregnancy, from the lower part of the womb, but when the flow is
suddenly stopped without any apparent cause, pregnancy is generally
the predisposing cause.

SOON AFTER CONCEPTION

the stomach often becomes affected with what is called morning
sickness. On first awaking, the female feels as well as usual, but on
rising from her bed qualmishness begins and perhaps while in the act
of dressing retching and vomiting takes place.

This symptom may occur almost immediately after conception, but it
most frequently commences for the first time between two and three
weeks after. Now and then it is experienced only during the last six
weeks or two months of pregnancy, and subsides about the time the
movements of the child begin to be felt.

CHANGES IN THE BREAST

are generally considered as strong signs of pregnancy. When two months
of pregnancy have been completed, an uneasy sensation of throbbing and
stretching fullness is experienced, accompanied by tingling about the
middle of the breasts, centering in the nipples. A sensible alteration
in their appearance soon foll