Indigestion and Heart-burn.—This should be treated the same as under other conditions. Diet, habits, should be regulated. The bowels and kidneys should be regulated and do their eliminating work. For heart-burn the popular remedy, magnesia may be taken or dilute hydrochloric acid with nux vomica. One teaspoonful or effervescing citrate of magnesia dissolved in water and drank, is a convenient remedy. Also, five drops of diluted hydrochloric acid in water, taken after meals, through a tube, and one or two drops of nux vomica before meals is beneficial. The following is an excellent combination from Dr. Hare, of Philadelphia:
Dilute Hydrochloric Acid 2 drams
Essence of Pepsin 1 ounce
Compound Tincture of Gentian enough to make 4 ounces
Mix. Take one or two teaspoonfuls in a little water with meals.
In cases where it is impossible to eat anything the patient must be fed by the rectum. In such cases a doctor must be called. Fortunately such severe cases are very rare. The following for rectal feeding is given by Dr. Manton, of Detroit, and is a good combination. Give every four hours:
Liquid Beef Peptonoids 3 drams
White of an Egg
Whisky 3 drams
Beef Tea or Warm Water enough to make 3 ounces
The rectum should be washed out once or twice daily in the interval between the feeding.
Teeth.—The teeth are often affected during pregnancy, softening and decaying rapidly, causing severe neuralgia. The teeth should be cleaned frequently during the day to get rid of the secretions of the mouth, and at night before retiring. Milk of magnesia should be held in the mouth for a few minutes; cavities in the teeth should be stopped with a temporary filling. Teaspoonful of lacto phosphate of lime can be taken three times a day with benefit.
Constipation.—The enlarging womb pressing upon the rectum and also irregularity in diet causes constipation at this time. Daily free bowel movements are necessary to prevent the kidneys from overworking. As stated before, the diet should be strictly regulated. Cascara sagrada cordial is a good mild laxative to take, if necessary.
Difficult Breathing.—This usually comes late in pregnancy and is due to the pressure of the womb upon the diaphragm; the patient should avoid excitement and sleep with the shoulders well elevated. In the ninth month the womb drops lower and the breathing is better.
Varicose Veins and Piles.—Varicose veins: These are due to the pressure on the veins so that the return flow of blood is impeded and occur as a rule late in pregnancy. They are seen oftenest on the inner side of the thighs, the lower extremities, the vulva, and in the region of the anus. As a rule, they do not give much trouble. When they become painful or inflamed the patient should lie down, with the legs elevated and use water of witch-hazel applied with cloths. Elastic stockings, properly fitted, give much relief when the trouble is on the thigh and leg.