OUR BABIES.

Taranaki Central Press, 19 April 1937, Page 3

OUR BABIES.

(By “Hygeia.”) Published under the auspices of the Royal New Zealand Society for the Heajth of Women and Children. (Plunket Society). “It is wiser to put up a fcjice at the top of a precipice than to maintain an ambulance at the bottom.” BEFORE BABY COMES. (Continued). Need for Fluids. There is no doubt that ordinarily the average person could with beneficial results drink more water. The habit of water drinking if formed in childhood and continued throughout life should help to maintain normal functioning of the excretory organs and aid in keeping healthy the kidneys, bowels, and skin. The kidneys eliminate the waste products of the body. During pregnancy extra work is required of them, for, in addition to fheir normal work of ridding the waste products from the body, they must deal with those of the growing child; as well. The- perfect functioning of this system of waste removal is of the utmost importance at this time, and In order to guard against overwork of the kidney s . regular and skilled supervision is necessary. Almost equally important i s regular daily movement of the bowels. Plenty of water (from three to four pints daily) is necessary to rid 'the kidney s and bowele of the waste products. Where ther© i s any tendency to constipation the waste material accumulates and becomes putrid and poisons the mother and unborn child. When the poisons are not eliminated by the bowel ample opportunity is afforded tor their absorption by the bloodstream, resulting in auto-intoxication, »vhich lays the foundation for sallow complexion, headaches, sensations of fatigue, and indigestion. If a routine method of drinking fl’ater such as follows is adopted the mother will have no difficulty in taking the necessary quantity. Drink a large cupful of water the last thing it night before retiring and one on •ising, the first thing in 'the morning. Take a cupful of water half to one hour before each meal, and another when thirsity. Should constipation persist in spite of the ordinary -treatment, viz., correct diet, including laxative foods, plenty O f water, exercise, (ftc., a doctor should be consulted. Never take castor oil for constipation, or because it. is supposed to produce an easy labour. Aperients should be resorted to only when absolutely necessary. Tea and coffee are harmful to the nervous system, and should not be taken more than twice a day. The tea should be freshly infused and not allo-v.’.d to stand long. If milk or buttermilk fs taken it should be taken | a>t the end of a mea.l. Cocoa, barley I water, or raisin tea may be taken for a change. Alcoholic stimulants i should not be t-aken. unless under medical advice; Exercise. The taking of a reasonable amount >f exercise every day is the first and nost important pressing need of the expectant mother. Without this, she cannot get herself into the condition of perfect health essential to ideal motherhood. The active housewife is apt to say, “There is no need to remind me about taking active exercise; I am sure of plenty of exercise in the doing of my daily work.” There- is a measure of truth in this. The busy woman who looks after her nwn homo is the -type for natural, healthy motherhood, while the idle, self indulgent woman who regards herself a.,s half, an invalid tends To

have a bad time all round, and is the V/’orst kind of moi her for a baby. The wise mother will arrange her household duties so as to provide for i sufficiency of daily outdoor exercise whether the weather b& wet or tine. Walking is the simplest method of fulfilling this need. The main point' to be observed is that whatever form the exercise takes, it is not overdone. If the mother has been ' accustomed 'to games, such a s golf, | tennis, or croquet, she should con- ■ tinuc these during the first four or ! five months of pregnancy, always I stopping sliort before reaching the > point of fatigue. Even, dancing in 1 •trict moderation up to the sixth nonth is permissible. Exercise ■ rthould always be followed by a rest. ' period. Special Exercise. ; In most ciaev. special to airengthen ths muscled of ‘the : should he done regularly. Strung, j well-developed abdominal muscles are Important factors in promoting a. sate pregnancy and a normal delivery. I'hei.e muscles are amply strong for he purpose in healthy women if they nave not been weakened by lack of exercise. A healthy life and opeuiir exercise are the first essentials in the re-educating and strengthen- j ing of these muscles when 'they have become weak. If you have been in i 'he habit of doing exercises, continue them, omitting those which j give you any feeling of strain, and I cease the exercises before you are | tired,.