The practical lessons to be drawn from such facts are many, and, for the most part, easy to comprehend. They teach us how important it is that a woman who is pregnant should, by all that is in her power, shun scenes of fear and danger. Husbands, and all who are in any way connected with her, should spare no pains in rendering this important and trying period of her life as happy and tranquil as the circumstances will allow. True, she should not make a baby of herself, or be babied by others; but, considering the liability to danger while in this condition, she should be careful of herself, in all respects, while passing through the period, and those about her should use all due caution in regard to it.
LETTER XX.
DRUG-TREATMENT IN PREGNANCY.
Effects of Blisters—Emetics—Purgative Medicines—Bleeding.
I could hope that not one of the large number of persons whom I address, would ever be subjected to any of the processes of drug-treatment in so critical a period as pregnancy. The water-treatment I regard as being so much safer, as well as more effectual, for the eradication of any and all the diseases to which you may be subject at this time, as well as others, that I should be very glad if I could say something to inspire you with a greater degree of confidence in the new method. But perhaps I am wrong; some of you, at least, have the fullest confidence in the sanative powers of water, and have no need of any thing more being said on that point. It is proper, however, that I say something here respecting the effects of certain drugs and drug-appliances, in this period.
BLISTERS.
It is the testimony of honest and capable practitioners, that these are far more liable to do harm in pregnancy than at other times.
Dr. Dewees asserts that he had known two cases of abortion caused by the use of blisters, although he acknowledged they had, in some cases, been advantageously resorted to as a means of preventing that evil. But how, it may be asked, are physicians to know when to use them, and when not? This no man can tell. Nor have we any need of blistering at this or any time, because there are better means, which are entirely safe.
The same able author whom I just quoted, tells us that blisters are much more likely to produce strangury during pregnancy than in other cases; and that when this occurs, it is almost sure to be followed by the most distressing and untoward symptoms. Entire retention of urine sometimes follows the use of cantharides in these circumstances, which can only be relieved by the use of the catheter. There is also, at such times, not unfrequently so distressing an inclination and violence of effort to void urine, as to be surpassed only by the agony of labor itself. Bloody urine has sometimes followed the use of a blister; and a discharge of mucous from the internal surface of the bladder has continued, as a consequence, for a long time after. “It is true,” observes a distinguished author, “these are extreme cases; but they nevertheless occur, and should, therefore, suggest a great deal of caution in their employment, especially in the more advanced periods of gestation.”
EMETICS.
These are no more necessary in pregnancy than blisters. Severe vomiting is sometimes productive of abortion; and who is wise enough to foretell what may be the effect of a dose of tartar emetic given to a woman when in this highly impressible state? A single emetic has caused severe and permanent pain, which has been removed only after parturition has taken place.