In this condition, which is just the reverse of the former, the heart suspends its action altogether; the breathing ceases, all power of motion and feeling is lost, the face turns ghastly pale, the eyes close, and the individual seems as if actually dead. It seldom lasts however more than five minutes, when the pulse gradually begins to beat, the color returns, and the individual slowly recovers. Some females are liable to such attacks once a month, others once a week, others every few days, and some at irregular periods. They are generally preceded by a dull pain at the pit of the stomach, fullness in the head, yawning, and loss of sight, or ringing in the ears.
The causes that predispose to this fainting are not very well understood, though there is no doubt but it is mainly dependant upon uterine disturbances. In some females it is brought on by the sudden motions of the fœtus, or by their remaining too long in one posture. In others it is produced by straining from constipation, or by sudden fright or anger. In very nervous persons it not unfrequently arises from unpleasant sights, smells, and sounds. In fact it is caused in them much the same as a common hysterical fit, such as is described in my Diseases of Woman. A full habit, and over feeding, or drinking stimulating liquors may also bring it on, and so on the contrary may a state of weakness and exhaustion.
This accident is more alarming than dangerous, except to the child, which may lose its life if the fainting lasts too long.
To recover a person from one of these fainting fits, she should be laid upon her back on a level place, and every part of her dress should be carefully loosed. Some strong odor should then be applied to the nostrils, such as hartshorn, vinegar, burnt feathers, or smelling salts. The body should be well rubbed over the heart and lungs, either with the hand or with a soft, dry napkin. Cold water may also be dashed on the face, and the hands may be well chafed. If the fit still endures, a mustard plaster may be placed on each arm, or the whole body may be placed in a warm bath, if convenient. Care should also be taken to admit the fresh air freely. As soon as she begins to show signs of consciousness, a little wine or brandy may be placed in the mouth, and the body may be elevated a little.
To guard against such attacks, the same precautions as to diet and mode of life must be observed as were directed in the article on palpitation of the heart; and, as this accident is most frequent in those of a hysterical habit, they should carefully follow the advice given in the article Hysteria, in my Diseases of Woman.
HEADACHE AND DIZZINESS IN THE HEAD.
Each of these distressing affections, both of which are very common during pregnancy, may arise either from nervous excitement or from a full habit and determination of blood to the head. Nervous headache is generally met with in the earlier months of pregnancy, and is characterized by being frequently periodical, and often confined to particular spots. It also commences suddenly, from some excitement or depression of mind, and leaves little or no distress when it is gone. The headache, which arises from a too full habit, commences with flushing of the face, heaviness in the eyes, dull pain in the forehead, and a sense of uneasiness, with disposition to sleep or dose. It seldom comes on much till the latter months of gestation. Headache may arise also accidentally, from derangement of the stomach, but this cause is easily ascertained by the furred tongue, loss of appetite, and bitter taste in the mouth; it is also felt most acutely in the back of the head, down by the neck, and passes away immediately the stomach is corrected by an emetic, or by fasting.
Nervous headache during pregnancy often defies all our attempts to alleviate it, though we sometimes succeed in doing so. The best general remedies are warm baths, and, if the bowels are constipated, enemas of starch and castor oil daily. To these may be added occasional small doses of Laudanum, or an Opium pill, or two grains of Camphor. Smelling odors, such as Camphor, Cologne, or Hartshorn, will relieve some, but will make others worse; so that its utility can only be determined by experience. When a severe attack comes on, the patient should put her feet in warm water, or use a warm bath, take a few drops of Laudanum, or a little Musk, or Valerian, and then try to go to sleep. To guard against the attack, she must never overload the stomach, nor take anything indigestible; and never think too much nor allow herself to become excited or depressed.
When the trouble is caused by a too full habit, she must observe the directions given in the articles on palpitation of the heart, and Syncope. The diet must be mild and not too nutritious, the bowels must be regularly moved every day, chiefly by Epsom Salts and Seidlitz Powders, and regular gentle exercise must be taken in the open air.
In the latter months it is especially important to attend to a severe headache immediately, particularly when the pain is seated at the top of the head, because it is very likely, if unchecked, to terminate in convulsions. The means above recommended must be carefully and perseveringly applied; the feet must be kept warm, the bowels freely opened, and the head kept cool by wet clothes, or cold lotions, or ice. It is the general practice in all such cases, if the pain does not abate soon, and the pulse be full and quick, to bleed freely at the arm, and the most eminent physicians of the Allopathic school assure us, that the life of the patient frequently depends upon its being done promptly. I have no doubt, however, but that relief can be generally obtained by the simple means described, if they are used early and perseveringly.