gathering of the bosom. There need, in such a
case, be no apprehension. The swelling and the pain are the consequences of
the pregnancy, and will in due time subside without any unpleasant result.
For treatment she cannot do better than rub them well, every night and
morning, with equal parts of Eau de Cologne and olive oil, and wear a piece
of new flannel over them; taking care to cover the nipples with soft linen,
as the friction of the flannel might irritate them.

17. BOWEL COMPLAINTS.--Bowel complaints, during pregnancy, are not
unfrequent. A dose either of rhubarb and magnesia, or of castor oil, are
the best remedies, and are generally, in the way of medicine, all that is
necessary.

17. CRAMPS.--Cramps of the legs and of the thighs during the latter period,
and especially at night, are apt to attend pregnancy, and are caused by the
womb pressing upon the nerves which extend to the lower extremities.
Treatment.--Tightly tie a handkerchief, folded like a neckerchief, round
the limb a little above the part affected, and let it remain on for a few
minutes. Friction by means of the hand either with opodeldoc or with
laudanum, taking care not to drink the lotion by mistake, will also give
relief.

[Illustration: A PRECIOUS FLOWER.]

19. THE WHITES.--The whites during pregnancy, especially during the latter
months, and particularly if the lady have had many children, are frequently
troublesome, and are, in a measure, occasioned by the pressure of the womb
on the parts below, causing irritation. The best way, therefore, to obviate
such pressure is for the patient to lie down a great part of each day
either on a bed or a sofa. She ought to retire early to rest; she should
sleep on a hard {279} mattress and in a well-ventilated apartment, and
should not overload her bed with clothes. A thick, heavy quilt at these
times, and indeed at all times, is particularly objectionable; the
perspiration cannot pass readily through it as through blankets, and thus
she is weakened. She ought to live on plain, wholesome, nourishing food;
and she must abstain from beer and wine and spirits. The bowels ought to be
gently opened by means of a Seidlitz powder, which should occasionally be
taken early in the morning.

20. IRRITATION AND ITCHING OF THE EXTERNAL PARTS.--This a most troublesome
affection, and may occur at any time, but more especially during the latter
period of the pregnancy. Let her diet be simple and nourishing; let her