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”