destroying often the sanguine hopes of the would-be mother.
Gases are often a concomitant symptom of pregnancy. In some eases, they are so troublesome as to suddenly col- lect in the abdomen; and cause such distention as to throw the patient into spasms.
After the third month, the abdomen acquires a very per- ceptible prominence, which gradually increases and rises, until it fills up the whole abdominal region.
The increase and modification of the abdomen is not in itself a sure sign of pregnancy; for some women, after mar- rying, become very fat; others are so constructed as to show very little increase; while others show it very soon and plainly. Women having a large frame and large pelvis would show very little abdominal prominence; but little women with small pelves, or women having the lower part of the spine much curved forward, would show a great deal. This is to be borne in mind in judging of the advancement of pregnancy when there are no data to go by.
Although a gradual increase of the abdomen is a strong indication of pregnancy, there are often diseases that simu- late it. Dropsy may be present; tumors may be growing in the abdomen. These exceptional cases do not often interfere, however, with the diagnosis.
Additional Signs. A woman oftentimes cannot tell whether she is pregnant or not until the fourth or fifth month; when quickening occurs, and there is no more room for doubt. There are, however, rational or s3Tnpathetic symptoms accompanying the suppression of the menses, strongly indicating that pregnancy exists. A month or two after conception, the mamma: (or breasts) enlarge, and often become the seat of slight pains and pricking sensa- tions; the nipples also enlarge, become tumid and darker;
