30. PAIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE.--This is liable to occur from about the fifth
to the eighth month, and is attributed to the pressure of the enlarging
womb upon the liver. Proper living is most likely to alleviate it. Wearing
a wet girdle in daytime or a wet compress at night, sitz-baths, and
friction with the wet hand may also be tried. If the pain is severe a
mustard poultice may be used. Exercise should be carefully moderated if
found to increase the pain. If there is fever and inflammation with it,
consult a physician. It is usually not dangerous, but uncomfortable only.
31. PALPITATION OF THE HEART.--To be prevented by healthy living and calm,
good humor. Lying down will often gradually relieve it, so will a compress
wet with water, as hot as can be borne, placed over the heart and renewed
as often as it gets cool.
32. FAINTING.--Most likely to be caused by "quickening," or else by tight
dress, bad air, over-exertion, or other unhealthy living. It is not often
dangerous. Lay the patient in an easy posture, the head rather low than
high, and where cool air may blow across the face; loosen the dress if
tight; sprinkle cold water on the face and hands.
33. SLEEPLESSNESS.--Most likely to be caused by incorrect living, and to be
prevented and cured by the opposite. A glass or two of cold water drank
deliberately on going to bed often helps one to go to sleep; so does
bathing the face and hands and the feet in cold water. A short nap in the
latter part of the forenoon can sometimes be had, and is of use. Such a nap
ought not to be too long, or it leaves a heavy feeling; it should be sought
with the mind in a calm state, in a well-ventilated though darkened room,
and with the clothing removed, as at night. A similar nap in the afternoon
is not so good, but is better than nothing. The tepid sitz-bath on going to
bed will often produce sleep, and so will gentle percussion given by an
attendant with palms of the hand over the back for a few minutes on
retiring. To secure sound sleep do not read, write or severely tax the mind
in the evening. {282}
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