Complications of pregnancy / by Edward P. Davis.

  • Edward P. Davis
Date:
1931
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Complications of pregnancy / by Edward P. Davis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    23/400 page 3
    INTRODUCTION The majority of evidence shows that the condition of the kidneys is such as to invite the development of interstitial nephritis where there has been a nephritis before pregnancy. When upon this condition is engrafted toxemia, the result will depend considerably upon the course taken by the toxemic process. If this latter goes on to eclampsia, the kidneys are often spared serious and permanent damage, but, if the toxemia does not reach that culmination, it may be some time before the kidneys return to their normal condition. While formerly it was thought that kidney failure was the great and dangerous complication of pregnancy, it is now known that such is not the case. The problem of toxemia is more complex than the development of nephritis. Perhaps the most important organ of elimination in pregnancy is the intestine. Constipation is a relative term, but there can be no doubt of the fact that the majority of pregnant women retain fecal matter unnaturally, and that they often suffer as a result. Constipation alone may not produce a serious effect in pregnancy, but it paves the way for complications of a serious nature and may be instrumental in developing anemia of considerable severity. During pregnancy the absorption of toxic material from the waste products of digestion, if not eliminated because of constipation, is a grave danger. The Nervous System.—The belief that pregnancy must produce a profound disturbance in the nervous system must be abandoned is the view of modern pathology. The development of maternal instinct is a natural accompaniment, and during pregnancy a natural stimulant to the functions of the nervous system; melancholia, forebodings, deranged appetites, unreasonable attitudes and vagaries of temper often accom¬ pany pregnancy. Modern knowledge frequently detects the physical cause for these abnormalities. While the sensory nerves under a con¬ siderable degree of stimulation are easily disturbed, this does not in itself constitute a complication of pregnancy. The Metabolism of Pregnancy.—In the healthy parturient, increased metabolism is the rule. There is increased appetite for oxygen, food and water, and such appetites are normal to the condition. The ab¬ normal arises when the limit of the patient’s ability to digest and assim¬ ilate food is passed. The Muscular and Nervous System.—The late War proved that during pregnancy women of fairly good fiber can do considerable mus¬ cular work, not only without injury, but with benefit. To secure this result the diet and hygienic conditions must be good. Under favorable conditions, the tendency during pregnancy is to increase the strength and vigor of nerves and muscles. The Body Temperature.—The temperature of the body in healthy pregnancy is somewhat increased. The degree of gain varies with the temperament and circumstances of the individual. This must be taken into account in estimating the development of fever during pregnancy. The Minor Factors.—Of minor importance, so far as life and health are concerned, and often so far as comfort is concerned, is the condition
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