only that there is an advantage in taking such precautions, but that
they may be risking their lives, or at least their future well-being,
unless they insist upon competent medical attention. It is true, of
course, that pregnancy and childbirth are generally normal processes,
but they are not always so. Fortunately, most of the abnormalities
give timely warning of their occurrence, and in most instances may be
relieved by comparatively simple measures; or, if not, they afford
indications for treatment which should lead to a happy termination.
The recognition of the existence of such conditions, however, is not
always easy, and their ideal treatment requires careful training and
sometimes the utmost nicety of judgment. Consequently, if prospective
mothers wish to be assured of the best care, they should be cautious
in the choice of their medical attendant. As the ordinary layman has
no means of determining the real qualifications of a physician, the
choice should not be made upon the advice of casual acquaintances;
but, instead, the family physician should be consulted, who, should
he feel unwilling to assume the responsibility of the case, will be
able to recommend a thoroughly competent substitute.

From my own experience as a teacher and consultant, I state without
hesitation that in no other branch of medicine or surgery are graver
emergencies encountered than in certain obstetrical complications
whose treatment involves the greatest responsibility and requires the
highest order of ability to insure a successful outcome for the
mother and her child. For these reasons a physician should be chosen
only after mature deliberation, and his services should be esteemed
much more highly than is usually the case.

In order that the principles of prevention may receive their fullest
application during pregnancy, labor, and the lying-in period, it is