thoughtlessly inflicted upon themselves, that prospective mothers
must be taught to avoid.

At present there are manufactured a number of excellent maternity
corsets; but there are also worthless types, and some likely to do
harm. To judge them fairly they must be examined with regard to
several requirements. In the first place the corset should not be
stiff and should always be capable of easy adjustment; it must never
interfere with the activity of any organ. As _enceinte_, the
French word meaning pregnant, signifies, the prospective mother
should be unbound. Tight clothing, as we have already remarked,
hinders the breathing movements; it also interferes with the action
of the heart, and occasionally causes the child to assume an
unfavorable position within the uterus. The adjustment of the
maternity corset to the progressive development of the body is
generally provided for by means of extra lacings down the sides, and
by the insertion of elastic material.

The maternity corset, in the next place, must support the enlarged
uterus. Correctly shaped and worn, it extends well down in front,
fits snugly around the hips, and arches forward so as to conform to
the curve of the abdomen. In place of the arching, or "cupping" as
manufacturers call it, some maternity corsets have attached to their
lower edge limp flaps of a strong fabric which lace together. The
maternity corset-waist also should extend well under the abdomen and
fit snugly around the hips.

Finally, the corset should support the bust; the unpleasant
sensations due to congestion of the breasts can be relieved most
successfully by elevating them. It is exceedingly important, however,