he most valuable, as at the moment it occurs, as a rule, the
motion of the child is first felt, whilst, at the same time, there is a
sudden increase in the size of the abdomen. Quickening is a proof that
nearly half the time of pregnancy has passed. If there be a {272} liability
to miscarry, quickening makes matters more safe, as there is less
likelihood of a miscarriage after than before it. A lady at this time
frequently feels faint or actually faints away; she is often giddy, or
sick, or nervous, and in some instances even hysterically; although, in
rare cases, some women do not even know the precise time when they quicken.

8. INCREASED SIZE AND HARDNESS OF THE ABDOMEN.--This is very characteristic
of pregnancy. When a lady is not pregnant the abdomen is soft and flaccid;
when she is pregnant, and after she has quickened, the abdomen; over the
region of the womb, is hard and resisting.

[Illustration: Embryo at Thirty Days. _a_, the Head; _b_, the Eyes; _d_,
the Neck; _e_, the Chest; _f_, the Abdomen.]

9. EXCITABILITY OF MIND.--Excitability of mind is very common in pregnancy,
more especially if the patient be delicate; indeed, excitability is a sign
of debility, and requires plenty of good nourishment, but few stimulants.

10. ERUPTIONS ON THE SKIN.--Principally on the face, neck, or throat, are
tell-tales of pregnancy, and to an experienced matron, publish the fact
that an acquaintance thus marked is pregnant.

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11. THE FOETAL HEART.--In the fifth month there is a sign which, if
detected, furnishes indubitable evidence of conception, and that is the
sound of the child's heart. If the ear be placed on the abdomen, over the
womb, the beating of the foetal heart can sometimes be heard quite plainly,
and by the use of an instrument called the stethoscope, the sounds can be
still more plainly heard. This is a very valuable sign, inasmuch as the
presence of the child is not only ascertained, but also its position, and
whether there are twins or more.

[Illustration: OUR KING.]

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[Illustration]

Diseases of Pregnancy.

1. COSTIVE STATE OF THE BOWELS.--A costive state of the bowels is common in
pregnancy; a mild laxative is therefore occasionally necessary. The mildest
must be selected, as a strong purgative is highly improper, and even
dangerous. Calomel and all other preparations of mercury are to be
especially avoided, as a mercurial medicine is apt to weaken the system,
and sometimes even to