Gynæcology for nurses and gynæcological nursing : including the subjects enumerated, under "gynæcology and obstetrics", in the "syllabus of lectures and demonstrations for education and training in general nursing" issued by the General Nursing Council / by Comyns Berkeley.

  • Berkeley, Comyns, Sir, 1865-1946
Date:
1943
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Gynæcology for nurses and gynæcological nursing : including the subjects enumerated, under "gynæcology and obstetrics", in the "syllabus of lectures and demonstrations for education and training in general nursing" issued by the General Nursing Council / by Comyns Berkeley. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    58/448 (page 40)
    It may be that a State Registered Nurse will be asked by an acquaintance advice on the following :— Baths.—Certain amounts of waste products are excreted by the sweat glands of the skin, and since dirt may occlude the orifices of the ducts of these glands it is important that a pregnant woman, if possible, should have a warm bath every day, preferably before going to bed. That such waste products, if not excreted, are deadly is proved by the fact that if a rabbit is varnished it dies, which also was the end of a small boy who took the part of Cupid in a tableau at a cele¬ brated ball in Paris. To make his appearance more striking, he was covered with gold leaf, and as a result thereof he died in convulsions. When taking her bath, the woman should wash all over with plenty of soap, paying special attention to the vulvo- perineal region, since bacteria, which may be the cause of puerperal sepsis, are found in such a situation. If it is im¬ possible to obtain a daily bath the necessity for a daily washing of her body should be stressed. Diet.—It is very important that a pregnant woman should take a well-balanced diet, both on her own account and that of her unborn child. Her food should be as digestible as possible, and should contain a correct amount of salts and vitamins, and she should drink plenty of water and milk. Dress.—Her clothing should be comfortable and adequate, and of such a texture that air can penetrate and perspiration be absorbed. Nowhere should it be tight, and her boots should have low heels. Exercise.—She should lead a healthy, and as quiet a life as possible, obtaining plenty of fresh air and walking exercise daily, short of fatigue. Dancing, cycling, golfing, riding, driving a motor-car, the use of the treadle sewing machine should be avoided. Some women appear to be quite reckless in their activities when pregnant. I knew of a woman who hunted one day and had a normal labour the next. Nipples.—In order that the child should be fed by the breast, the great importance of which is universally acknow¬ ledged, the nipples must receive special attention during pregnancy, otherwise they may become sore and breast feeding have to be abandoned.