Preparing For Motherhood - A Guide For The Expectant

Table of Contents



PREFACE

I. THE NEW MOTHERHOOD



Not 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 EUGENICS

Influence 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 EASY

The 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 CONCEPTION



General hygienic measures. How to exercise. Strength is safety. Prenatal impression. Intelligent birth control.





V. THE SIGNS AND PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY





The 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 PREGNANCY



The 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 PREGNANCY



The 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 PREGNANCY



The 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 REST



Rest 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 CONSIDERATIONS



Visit 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 PREGNANCY



Knee-chest position to prevent nausea in pregnancy.



XII. CLOTHING FOR PREGNANCY

XIII. PREPARATION FOR CHILDBIRTH

The orange diet. Exercise during the final weeks.

XIV. MAKING THE BIRTH EASY

XV. DIET, GENERAL CARE, AND HYGIENE DURING “LYING IN”