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.
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