The hair may fall out and the teeth decay. “With every child a tooth,” is the cry of tradition. These changes are due to imperfect nutrition, or to the presence of toxins in the circulation.
Eruptions of an erythematous, eczematous, papular or pustular type are not uncommon; and itching, either local or general, may make life miserable.
The blood undergoes certain modifications that are fairly constant. The total amount is increased, but the quality is poorer, especially by an increase in water and white cells and a diminution of red cells. The amount of calcium is slightly increased and the fibrin is diminished up to the sixth month, when it rises to normal again at term.
The heart is slightly hypertrophied on the right side and blood pressure somewhat raised. A marked increase in blood pressure is suggestive of eclampsia.
The thyroid gland enlarges frequently, both as a consequence of menstrual irritation and of pregnancy. Goiters may show an increase of development, which remains after labor.
The urine is diminished in amount, but increased in frequency of evacuation. The bladder is more irritable during the first and last months, and micturition may be painful and unsatisfactory. The kidneys must be watched carefully during gestation.
The nervous system is disordered in most women, but especially in those of neurotic tendencies.
Irritability, insomnia, neuralgia of face or teeth, or perversion of appetite in the so-called “longings” are the more common manifestations.
Cramps occur in the muscles of the legs, owing to varicose veins or pressure upon the lumbar and sacral plexus of nerves.
The lungs are crowded by the growing uterus and the respiration interfered with.