Preparing for Motherhood - A Guide for the Expectant (ePub)

Table of ContentsPREFACEI. THE NEW MOTHERHOODNot necessary to lose one's figure. Why civilized women suffer more than women who live close to Nature. Every baby a prize baby. How number of still-births can be reduced. The status of the unmarried mother.II. WHAT MOTHERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EUGENICSInfluence of heredity. Cousin marriages. The phenomenon of twins. Don't marry without a physical examination. How sterility is brought about. Health a question of vitality and pure blood. Eugenics largely a matter of good health and nutrition during pregnancy. Determining the sex of your child.III. MAKING MOTHERHOOD SAFE AND EASYThe easy labor of the Indian mother. We can lessen but not abolish pain. A safe birth more important than a painless birth. Exercise to keep the baby small. The status of "twilight sleep."IV. PREPARATION FOR CONCEPTIONGeneral hygienic measures. How to exercise. Strength is safety. Prenatal impression. Intelligent birth control.V. THE SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCYThe menstrual cycle and its meaning. The function of the ovaries. How the egg enters the uterus. The first symptoms of pregnancy. How the breasts change in pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting. Bladder symptoms. "Quickening." How long does pregnancy continue? Table of pregnancy.VI. DIET IN PREGNANCYThe exacting food requirements of pregnant women. The importance of the mineral elements. Destruction of the tissues. Bone disease from deficient diet. Diet to overcome nausea. Avoid drugs and alcohol. The value of a limited fast.VII. EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCYThe foolishness of "false pride." The correct way to walk. Strength-building exercises. "Innerbuilding" exercises. Importance of bodily carriage. Oiling the muscles of the abdomen. Relieve pressure by going on all fours. Massage and exercise for varicose veins. Planning your exercise time.VIII. BATHING DURING PREGNANCYThe function of the skin. The influence of the bath. Hot baths depressing. Stimulating effect of the cold bath. The internal bath. How to take an internal bath.IX. THE IMPORTANCE OF RESTRest most important in last three months of pregnancy. Overwork should be studiously avoided. When the weight of the womb causes sleeplessness. Aids to rest and proper relaxation. Sexual intercourse during pregnancy. Should a pregnant woman travel? The benefits of mental diversion.X. GENERAL HYGIENIC CONSIDERATIONSVisit your dentist. Don't neglect the hair and scalp. How to shampoo the hair. For the general health. Mineral oil tends to prevent hemorrhoids. Care of the nipples. Should pregnant women douche?XI. SYMPTOMS AND ILLS OF PREGNANCYKnee-chest position to prevent nausea in pregnancy.XII. CLOTHING FOR PREGNANCYXIII. PREPARATION FOR CHILDBIRTHThe orange diet. Exercise during the final weeks.XIV. MAKING THE BIRTH EASYXV. DIET, GENERAL CARE, AND HYGIENE DURING "LYING IN"