A well-ordered course of exercise in the open air in well-selected weather, and great simplicity of diet, is of the utmost importance to the female at this period of life, and should never be neglected, if it be possible to indulge in them. By these means, the nervous, muscular, vascular, and lymphatic systems are all preserved more certainly in equilibrium with each other, since they are the best calculated to ensure a reciprocation of their respective offices; and, consequently, to maintain that condition of the system, termed health. Hence, the justness of the remark, that the women who live in the country, and who exercise freely in the open air; who have fulfilled their duties scrupulously as mothers, by suckling their children, agreeably to the views of nature; who do not goad their systems by over-stimulating food and drinks; who do not relax their bodies by too long indulgence in bed, have but little suffering at this period.
From this it will follow, that a milk and vegetable diet, together with pure water as a drink; regular exercise, not carried to fatigue; keeping the bowels well open, by well-selected food, as the fruits of the season in proper quantities: the bran bread if necessary; but not by medicine, unless absolutely required; governing the temper; restraining the passions, as well mental as animal, will largely contribute to the safety and comfort of this period. All that we have just recommended, is calculated to place the system in a condition by which it shall preserve its various forces; have its irritability diminished; its sensibility moderated; and pretty certainly prevent that condition of the blood-vessels, most decidedly unfriendly to the general health at this time, called plethora. And, though last, not least in fair estimation, is an attention to cleanliness. The external organs should be washed with lukewarm water at least twice a day, and the whole body once a week, by going into a lukewarm bath. In using the bath, care should be taken to come out of it as soon as the purposes of cleanliness are answered.
Our next concern is with the derangement of the discharge at or about the period of cessation: this will consist, 1st, in a diminution of the proper quantity; and, 2dly, in an excess of it. As regards the first, we have already said enough when treating of the suppression of the menses; and, with respect to the second, it must be treated according to the rules prescribed for the management of hemorrhage from the uterus from any other cause, that is, first, to diminish the quantity discharging; secondly, to prevent an excessive return.
CONCEPTION;
OR,
PREGNANCY.
CONCEPTION.
In order to procreate the human species, there is a periodical discharge of blood from the vagina of every female, termed the catamenia, or menses. The secretion of this fluid commences at that period of life termed puberty, which occurs at different ages, according to the climate. In some latitudes it commences as early as eight or ten, and in others not until fifteen. As soon as conception or pregnancy commences, this discharge ceases, and goes to support the fœtus, or the child.
The manner in which conception takes place has ever been a fruitful subject of inquiry, but we are unable to account for this change precisely. It is, however, pretty evident that the semen of the male is introduced into the uterus, while the semen of the female is discharged from the ovaria by means of the Fallopian tubes, the fimbricated extremity of which closely embraces that organ.
These tubes, by a kind of peristaltic motion similar to the intestines, convey the semen of the female into the uterus, where it unites with the semen of the male; and it is these united fluids which constitute the rudiment of the fœtus, and which often give to the child the appearance and dispositions of their parents. Sometimes one trait is inherited, sometimes another; at other times a new compound or character is formed (like a chemical union), which does not partake of the nature of either of the former.
OF THE MODE BY WHICH PREGNANCY MAY BE DETERMINED.
There are certain signs which a female is taught to regard as essential evidences of pregnancy and it is supposed by most, if not by all women, that their presence is absolutely necessary to the existence of this state. In reference to one or two of these signs, this is far from the fact; for they are not unfrequently absent, although pregnancy exist, and the remainder may be present, although pregnancy be absent. Many a female, I am confident, has, from this very circumstance, experienced much difficulty in attaining certainty as to her state, and suffered months of anxiety and doubt. This has arisen from a want of those clear notions, and that precise information, which a question so important demands.