Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].

And all actual fatigue should be avoided, for such a result would have a directly contrary effect to that which we intend. The heart would be too much strained, the circula- tion impeded instead of quickened, and metabolism un- favourably affected. The important local circulatory conditions in the whole lower half of the body would share in the metabolic disturbance, and the good influence of wisely selected and performed physical exercise on bodily and mental well-being would be simply reversed. We must again emphasise the danger of vehement gymnastic effort and all attempts at tours de force for the expectant mother, whether in endeavours to surpass her own record or in un- conscious competition with others. The latter risk is always present during classes for physical exercise, and makes these communal and corporate exercises, on the whole, inappro- priate for pregnant women. And there is another strong contraindication in the individual differences of bodily symptoms and degrees of efficiency which are even more diverse during the pregnant state than under normal conditions. It must be an individual matter to choose the exercises and regulate their performance. If a woman is healthy and of active constitution and habits, undertakes the exercises with interest and pleasure, and feels refreshed and not tired by them, she has certainly not over-exerted herself. For, when the preliminary difficulties have been overcome, gymnastics during pregnancy, like gymnastics in general, should be a refreshment and pleasure, giving a sense of power and well-being, and then they achieve their object and without overstrain. As soon as the pregnant state has definitely begun, the expectant mother should be medically examined and a similar gynaecological inspection should take place at regular intervals, in order to check any possible harm to mother or child. This should always be done, but it is particularly necessary if physical exercises are contemplated, for there may be contraindications, general or local. For instance, if the organs of respiration and circulation {lungs, heart and veins) are not perfectly healthy, no gymnastics should be attempted.