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

or even earlier, and, at the present day, the first birth generally takes place later than that—sometimes ten or fifteen years later! This dysgenic tendency will need thorough and complicated measures if it is to be overcome or reversed ; for the present we can only urge women not to postpone their first experience of maternity unnecessarily long. And we may also do all that can help in keeping the local tissues as supple as possible for as long as possible. The exercises of the pelvic floor, in their alternate tension and relaxation, may contribute considerably to this end by quickening the circulation of blood and lymph and the general metabolism of these parts. Arrested genital growth or infantilism may also be counteracted by means of exercises, and this will facilitate birth, though indirectly. But the active dilation or relaxation of the pelvic floor is not only more direct, but more important. The exercises of the pelvic and abdominal zone also help child-birth, directly and indirectly. Directly—for range and change of position are thus made easy in the various stages of labour, and, indirectly, for the abdominal muscles have become more efficient and under more control. Of course, there are occasionally deliveries so easy and rapid that there is no conscious exertion of the abdominal pressure, for the abdominal muscles and all their accessories work automatically, i.e., by reflex action at the appropriate moment. But most deliveries are far from easy, and not only owing to inadequate muscular action, but also because such muscular action may be incorrect or actually hindering and resistant or exercised at the wrong moment and stage of expulsion, and without the necessary deliberate relaxation in the intervals of respite. For birth, like coitus in our species, is not a simple natural process which " takes care of itself." It is an art and accomplishment to give birth without unnecessary exertion and unnecessary anguish and injury. And this accomplishment (or faculty) is, in most women, neither instinctive nor acquired. Therefore, they require the skilled aid of midwives and obstetric specialists. And if the directions of such specialists are not overlooked or