Exercise is especially essential in pregnancy. Those recommended in Tokology increase the capacity of the pelvis and abdomen, develop the muscles to be used in parturition, aid digestion, and equalize circulation.
Many ladies, following faithfully the directions for exercise, have been very lax in regard to diet and baths, and yet brought about remarkable results in having an easy delivery. Several instances have come to my knowledge of ladies who, having taken elocution lessons during pregnancy, and with these lessons a thorough course of gymnastics, have brought about a natural delivery, where labor previously had been prolonged and severe. These were persons who had no knowledge of special baths or fruit diet.
The following interesting letter is from an intelligent lady who is selling Tokology as missionary work:
Dear Dr. Stockham:—Be sure to tell the ladies the importance of exercise during pregnancy. Many are blinded to any measure save the fruit diet. I had Tokology only the last six weeks of pregnancy. Previous to that I had exercised very little. As soon as I read the work I began gymnastics and walking; took sitz-baths to remove any lameness caused. I also went up and down stairs a great deal, following directions in Tokology. To the very last week I continued canvassing for your valuable work. I had painless contractions of the uterus every few moments during the entire day.
After eating my supper and refusing to play croquet, as I had an engagement, I hastened to my room to prepare for the arrival of the little stranger. The contractions began to cause some pain. I made use of the hot sitz-bath, and it gave wonderful relief. I remained in the bath a long time, until I became so sleepy it was necessary to go to bed. I had no hard pain. The expulsive efforts were not as painful as the first contractions, and those I had were in the abdomen. After three bearing-down pains I laid down, and the fourth pain brought the child from the uterus into the world, and without any of that tearing pain usually experienced. All was over at 10:30 o’clock.
This was my third boy. With both of the others I was in labor all night and half of the next day, and took chloroform for hours, the agony was so unbearable. Each time I was so sore and weak afterward I could not move myself in bed. This time I could move right away to any part of the bed; and the next day sat up to eat food three times. I had my nurse only four days, while each time before I could not do without her under three weeks. I was out selling Tokology in less than two weeks, and can assure you, dear Doctor, I never did any work with such a good will as this. It is taking a blessed truth to women. Sincerely your friend,
Mrs. G. E. Brown,
Las Animas, Col.
It is probable, if a woman has had inflammation and ulceration of the womb a long time, that she will be unable to bring about conditions to insure a painless labor. This is true, especially, if caustic treatment has been resorted to, resulting in induration. In such a case, a course of hygienic treatment during pregnancy will be valuable, but to restore the parts to their normal conditions may require years of right living.
I must again emphasize the need of continence between husband and wife during pregnancy. A lady physician in Iowa relates many interesting cases where labor was rendered almost painless, simply by the continent life. Her theory is, that the repeated contractions of the vaginal walls and vulva render them unyielding, and consequently there is absolute mechanical obstruction to the passage of the head. The theory is certainly worthy of consideration.
I have long been thoroughly convinced that sexual intercourse during pregnancy is entirely inimical to the best conditions for maternity. The natural repugnance that most women have for the act during fetal growth, ought to cause right-minded people serious thought.