It differs essentially from the salivation produced by the exhibition of mercury, inasmuch as in this case, there is no tenderness of the gums, or disagreeable fœtor in the breath. The fluid itself is either perfectly colorless and transparent, or more tenacious and frothy. It has an unpleasant taste, and, when tenacious, induces vomiting. It is generally accompanied with acidity; and the plan of treatment most advisable, when the disease is moderate in its character, is the frequent use of from twenty to thirty grains of magnesia, say every morning, rinsing the mouth out very often with lime-water, and to resist the desire to discharge the saliva from the mouth as much as possible, for, if it is not very great in quantity, it may be swallowed to advantage. Should this symptom, however, be very excessive, the health will suffer considerably in consequence, and the assistance of the medical man is imperatively called for.
A Painful and Distended Condition of the Breasts.
Pain and tension of the breasts frequently attend, as also they are natural consequences of, conception.
In a first pregnancy, a large and rapid development of this organ may take place, the breast becoming two or three times as large as before marriage; but if tight lacing be only avoided, and the breasts be permitted to expand, no material inconvenience will arise from this circumstance.
As, however, these symptoms are sometimes attended with considerable distress, I would advise, under such circumstances, the application of half a dozen leeches, or more, tepid fomentations, and a gentle aperient—two drachms of Epsom salts in a little peppermint water—night and morning. These means, by relieving the over distension and fulness of the vessels of the part, remove the cause and complaint at once.
If these symptoms occur to a female who may have been several times pregnant, and formerly has had an abscess in one or other breast, that bosom is generally most painful which was before affected, and there will be an increased hardness about it, which may give rise, perhaps, to the apprehension of an abscess again forming, or, what is much worse, to the disease terminating in cancer. Both these fears are groundless: and, if she will only use fomentations, gentle friction frequently during the day, with almond oil and laudanum—about a drachm of the latter, to an ounce of the oil, warm,—and exercise patience, everything will do very well.
Nature often seeks her own cure, and a colourless, thin fluid runs from the nipple, which relieves the symptoms.
Cramp, and Pains in the Legs, &c.
Some females, during the latter months of pregnancy, suffer dreadfully from cramp and pain in the legs, and about the sides and lower part of the stomach. This symptom arises from the pressure of the womb upon certain nerves in its neighbourhood, which proceed to the extremities.
If the cramp be seated in the muscles of the legs, a hard, knotty induration is perceivable to the touch, accompanied with great soreness, the latter continuing for a long time after the lump has disappeared. An uneasy position of the muscles is a sufficient cause of irritation, to produce it, and it is frequently removed, by simply rising from the bed or sofa, and walking the room, so as to put the muscles of the leg into action. If this does not succeed, warm friction with the naked hand, or with camphorated oil, generally will.