structures beneath it. On the other hand, incorrectly made corsets,
the use of circular garters, and running a sewing machine by foot-
power all aggravate the pressure symptoms of pregnancy.

_Swelling of the Feet_.--So long as the swelling is confined to
the feet and legs it does not mean that there is trouble with the
kidneys; the swelling is satisfactorily explained by the pressure of
the enlarged uterus upon the veins which pass through the lower part
of the abdomen and conduct the blood from the legs on its way back to
the heart. The womb is rarely heavy enough during the first half of
pregnancy to interfere with the flow of blood through these vessels,
but in the last few months such interference is very common.

Generally the limbs are equally affected, yet occasionally the
swelling is more marked on one side or the other. The characteristic
changes begin in the feet. The skin covering the back of the foot
becomes tense and has a waxen appearance; it is easily indented,
bearing for a moment the imprint of anything that is pressed against
it. Often the swelling extends no higher than the ankles, but it may
involve the calves, the thighs, or even the vulva, which is the
region between the thighs.

If the swelling remains slight, no attention need be paid to it. But
if it becomes extensive or painful, nothing will give relief except
going to bed. Patients observe for themselves that the swelling
lessens during the night, and from this usually learn that the proper
treatment is rest. When it is absolutely impossible to remain in bed
long enough for the swelling to disappear, the next best plan is to
accept every opportunity, during the day, to sit down and prop up the
feet.