concentrated, and consequently means that the individual should drink
water more freely; but it generally means nothing more serious. The
really important abnormal constituents of the urine, namely, albumin
and sugar, never form a sediment.

"Pain in the back" is a complaint frequently used to defraud the
public. This symptom does not indicate Bright's disease. It is
generally due to the muscles far away from the kidneys, with which,
usually, the pain has nothing whatever to do. Similarly a desire to
pass the urine frequently does not indicate any disturbance of kidney
function, but is explained by the pressure of the enlarged womb
against the bladder; it is a very annoying, yet a natural, result of
pregnancy.

THE SKIN.--The functions of the skin are at the very foundation of
health. It protects the delicate structures which it covers, assists
in the regulation of the temperature of the body, and excretes waste
products. The excretory function of the skin is always active, but we
are unconscious of this activity except on warm days and at times
when we perspire freely. In the coldest weather, however, the body
throws off what physiologists call the "insensible perspiration." The
most important measures for the care of the skin are those intended
to insure the activity of the sweat glands, namely, bathing and
proper clothing. But before considering these measures, we will
describe certain alterations in the skin which cannot escape the
notice of the prospective mother, and which she is likely to
misinterpret.

On account of the growth of the uterus the abdominal wall is
stretched during pregnancy. To a certain degree the skin yields to