massage the abdomen, since awkward, vigorous, or prolonged
manipulations in that locality may provoke painful uterine
contractions. Rubbing the breasts also can do no good; on the
contrary, it may do harm by bruising them.

The best time of day to have massage is in the morning, at least an
hour after breakfast. The duration of the treatment will depend upon
the patient; it should always cease as soon as she begins to feel
tired. After one has become accustomed to it, massage may generally
be continued for an hour. The room in which it is given should be
cool, and after the treatment has been completed the patient should
be wrapped warmly and left undisturbed for half an hour.

Gymnastics, like massage, are useless to those who can enjoy outdoor
exercise. Walking more perfectly strengthens the muscles which take
part in the act of birth than any system of "home calisthenics" that
has been suggested. In some conditions which make walking inadvisable
the use of calisthenics will be helpful. These exercises generally
consist in breathing movements and in movements of the extremities,
especially the legs, which bring into play the same abdominal muscles
that are used at the time of delivery. A detailed description of the
exercises is here purposely omitted, since gymnastics should not be
used unless advised by a physician, who should watch their effect and
thus be guided as to whether the patient should continue them.

THE INFLUENCE OF WORK UPON PREGNANCY.--No single influence is more
unfavorable to comfort and health during pregnancy than is idleness,
so that every prospective should occupy herself with congenial work
and fitting diversions. The kind of occupation makes no essential
difference, so long as it does not overtire either the body or the