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

or phases of pregnancy. Any and every physical exercise is not suited for the whole duration of the pregnant state, nor for every woman in that state, indiscriminately. And what exactly is harmless or helpful in any particular case, or what, on the contrary, should be stringently avoided, can only be judged by a medical practitioner who knows the general constitution and history of the woman herself and/or who has carefully examined her and has also accurate know- ledge of the possibilities and effects of physical exercises. Moreover, any untoward symptoms or ill effects, even if not directly traceable to the exercises, should be a danger signal followed by complete rest and prompt professional con- sultation. The two phases in which there are the greatest dangers of mishaps are (a) during the first months, and (b) during the final weeks of gestation. By the " first months " we may understand the period from the last occurrence of menstruation to the third recurrence of the date at which menstration would normally be due. During these months, general and gynaeco- logical experience concur as to the ease and frequency of incomplete or complete expulsion of the product of concep- tion ; i.e., of haemorrhages or miscarriages. And general and gynaecological experience also concur that this risk is greatest on the dates during which menstruation would normally be due for the second and third time. So anything and everything that might cause rupture and expulsion of the embryo should be carefully avoided at such times. Both violent bodily exertion and mental and emotional shock may cause haemorrhage and miscarriage, and any strain or shock to the abdomen is particularly liable to do so. Therefore, it is obvious that such injuries, efforts, shocks and stresses should be guarded against with great care in the first three months of pregnancy, and the days corresponding to normal menstrual dates. It is equally obvious that these precautions are not equally urgent or valid in every individual woman, although it is well to observe complete abstention during early months and dates of the normal menstrual cycle in first pregnancies. When the expectant mother has already been pregnant before this occasion, and shown a tendency to