A nurse's handbook of obstetrics . r. To be t , ., . r during pregnancy. sible, coupled with ignorance of the disastrous results that may, and often do, follow the em-ployment of such means of concealment. Most women will abandon these devices at once when theirdangers have been carefully explained. Loosely fitting garments do more to conceal the progressiveabdominal enlargement of pregnancy than can be accomplishedby lacing or other mode of constricting the figure. If for any reason a maternity corset is not desired, comfortfor the pendulous breasts and abdomen may be secured by wear-
A nurse's handbook of obstetrics . r. To be t , ., . r during pregnancy. sible, coupled with ignorance of the disastrous results that may, and often do, follow the em-ployment of such means of concealment. Most women will abandon these devices at once when theirdangers have been carefully explained. Loosely fitting garments do more to conceal the progressiveabdominal enlargement of pregnancy than can be accomplishedby lacing or other mode of constricting the figure. If for any reason a maternity corset is not desired, comfortfor the pendulous breasts and abdomen may be secured by wear-ing a maternity binder. This affords relief from the weight andmovements of the child. Instead of the breast supporter a well-fitting brassiere, if properly adjusted, will serve the purposeequally well. But these supports must be perfectly fitted to theconstantly enlarging figure. Undergarments should be made of wool, of a weight suitedto the season of the year, and should extend down to the anklesand cover the arms to the 104 A NURSES HANDBOOK OF OBSTETRICS. Wool is insisted upon, to the exclusion of cotton or linen,because it absorbs perspiration as rapidly as it is excreted, andso keeps the skin dry at all times. When the integument is dampwith perspiration, as it is in hot weather or after exertion, ifcotton or linen underwear is worn, any sudden chilling of the sur-face will close the capillaries and drive a considerable amount ofblood to the interior of the body, causing congestion of the in-ternal organs. At the same time, this chilling of the surface andcontraction of the capillaries prevent further perspiration, andso throw an additional strain on the kidneys, now congestedthrough increased blood-supply and overworked by the additionof fetal to the maternal elimination. Outer garments are to fit loosely, and must be enlarged asoccasion requires. There are on the market a wide selection inall varieties of goods and patterns, the principle upon which theyare bui
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, bookid54510150rnlm, bookyear1915
