This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at the office of the Association, Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 21st day of May, 1942, in accordance with request made by the self - Mrs. [457], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the body of [457] ..., N.Y.C., who seeks information, advice and guidance as to health, especially preparation of body for pregnancy and the best development of the child. You will answer the questions, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body, the enquiring mind, [457], and that which has been indicated to the body; also the hopes and the fears which surround the body in its attempts for preparation for motherhood.
3. Ready for questions.
4. (Q) Can I nurse the baby? Are there any precautions or preparations to assure this possibility?
   (A) To be sure, this - the nursing of the baby - would be the ideal way and manner. As to what may be done, much might be indicated in these directions; that is, in having and in keeping the body physically fit, with the well balanced chemical reactions through the body during the period of pregnancy.
   As to whether this will be practical or possible for this particular body, - this may not be positively stated in the present; but as we see, if there is the desire on the part of the body itself for such, there seems to be no reason why this should not be possible - and practical, and for the best.
5. (Q) Does this depend on physical characteristics of the body or the condition, which can be affected by proper food and exercises?
   (A) The attitude, so far as the mental is concerned, must be builded within the body. And with that attitude there will be the desire and purpose, AND the preparation by the keeping of the correct balance for same, as has been indicated.
6. (Q) On what do astrological influences have effect, - conception or birth?
   (A) Birth.
7. (Q) Should the astrological influences lead us to choose one month or another?
   (A) Not necessarily; for, remember - as has been the ideal - all spirit comes from the one source. And as has been indicated, there is that giving of same from the one spirit. Thus the preparation of body and mind, and then offering self as the channel, would insure, would bring about that association that IS giving the mother the opportunity for the expressing of the hopes and the desires - and the preparation of same for that channel.
8. (Q) Are osteopathic treatments advisable during pregnancy?
   (A) Practically always advisable during pregnancy.
9. (Q) Any instructions for osteopathic treatments during pregnancy?
   (A) Any good osteopath that knows the conditions of the body would meet same.
10. (Q) Any instructions for osteopathic treatments at the present?
    (A) Only that there be kept a general relaxation in the whole of the cerebrospinal system.
11. (Q) Is the breaking of fingernails due to a physical lack, or is it a natural result from work done?
    (A) In this particular case, it is something of both. This indicates the lack of proper assimilation or adjustments through the thyroid, or the lack of sufficient iodine in the system.
12. (Q) Is splitting of thumb nails from the same cause?
    (A) Same cause.
13. (Q) How should the iodine be supplied?
    (A) In the foods.
14. (Q) What causes gases or drosses in the body?
    (A) Chemical changes.
15. (Q) Are they a natural occurrence, or should one strive to eliminate them?
    (A) Best to eliminate them.
16. (Q) Does the eating of meat have anything to do with it?
    (A) Has much to do! Eat more sea foods! Not hog meats of ANY kind!
17. (Q) Since onions are supposed to be good for your blood and otherwise, why do they cause such ill smelling gases?
    (A) From the most foul at times comes the most beautiful lilies.
18. (Q) Is Mineral Oil the best laxative?
    (A) The best laxative is a balanced diet. When there is a tendency towards the needs for such, mineral oils are well.
19. (Q) Also during pregnancy?
    (A) Also during pregnancy.
20. (Q) Can enlarged blood vessel at rectum [hemorrhoids] be cured?
    (A) By the application of THIS as a combination, and applied regularly:
    To one ounce of Glycerine add two drops of Carbolic Acid. Stir well. Then add to this one ounce of Russian White Oil. Use as an ointment, and as an injection occasionally. [See 457-14, Par. 18-A on 5/15/44.]
21. (Q) Will hard skin on soles of feet disappear with loss of weight, or should some treatments be given?
    (A) It will disappear in part from loss of weight, but treatments should be applied as the general osteopathic treatment is given to increase circulation to the lower extremities, especially in feet.
22. (Q) What causes abnormal perspiration of my feet? and under arms?
    (A) The attempt of the body to equalize the circulation where it has been cut off by the pressure in some axis. Here the axis is the lumbar axis, and should be part of the relaxing in the general treatment; as would also the brachial center. These, equalize. The excess perspiration is better than that such poisons be left in the system. Just bathe oftener.
23. (Q) Under arms from same cause?
    (A) As just indicated.
24. (Q) Will the stopping of perspiration under arms cause it to appear to excess somewhere else, or cause other harmful effects on the body?
    (A) Other harmful effects, as just indicated.
25. (Q) Does the soreness along legs come from overweight, or poor circulation?
    (A) As just given, a pressure in the lumbar axis.
26. (Q) Could this be a forerunner of varicose veins?
    (A) It could be, unless corrections are made - or unless there is the relieving of the pressure by equalizing the circulation.
27. (Q) Why does childbirth cause varicose veins sometimes?
    (A) Owing to the pressure as indicated, or as created in the area just given, by the natural position of the child through the period of gestation.
28. (Q) Is pain in joint of large toe on right foot only due to overweight?
    (A) No; from the lack of the circulation throughout the extremities, as indicated. And the correction for same is to make a correction to the feet, as well as the correction in the lumbar area.
29. (Q) Is Squibbs tooth paste best for keeping teeth clean and in condition?
    (A) Ipana is much better than Squibb's, if used properly. Soda and Salt is better than either one; about an equal combination of salt and soda, dampened.
30. (Q) Is peroxide solution good for keeping gums in condition, also for eliminating bad smelling breath due to onions?
    (A) Listerine is better as an antiseptic in this direction, or the use of the equal combination of salt and soda as a massage and as a wash. But as an antiseptic Listerine is the better, as we find.
31. (Q) Is hair being treated correctly with the Drene Shampoo at home and the oil treatments at the hair dresser's?
    (A) Very good.
32. (Q) Is the glandular system in such condition to properly assimilate the foods to prevent deterioration of teeth and hair?
    (A) As indicated, there is the need for some stimulation to the thyroid, which acts directly with both the formation of teeth and nails, as well as hair. Thus the increase in the food values carrying iodine, or especially sea foods of all kinds, would be advisable for the body. Not to excess, to be sure, but to keep the better balance - which will be indicated by a better smoothness of the skin and a better gloss to the hair, as well as better conditions for the nails.
33. (Q) Is blood pressure still too high?
    (A) Owing to the pressures indicated, it is too high.
34. (Q) Is there any other way to reduce it except by losing weight?
    (A) Making those corrections as indicated in combination with same.
35. (Q) Should the pliability of the body be accomplished only by treatments of an osteopath?
    (A) A hydrotherapist [physiotherapist?] as combined with the osteopath. [See 457-12, Par. 39-A on 5/25/42.]
36. (Q) Should certain exercises be done also?
    (A) Those as would be indicated, - walking is the best exercise; of course, bending, or the regular setting-up exercises are good.
37. (Q) Does the flow from the ovary vary in period and duration from one month to another?
    (A) To be sure.
38. (Q) Is conception at this time inevitable or can mental or spiritual prevent union?
    (A) Can prevent union, but remember - the spirit moves from within.
39. (Q) Or does it occur at a definite time?
    (A) When He wills and the mind and all are set in order.
40. (Q) Does the soul chosen by God also determine the sex or is the sex of the child governed by a natural physical law?
    (A) It is as a gift from the Maker, but follows a physical law, to be sure.
41. (Q) Is the suggestion which may be made towards the sex of the child mental or physical?
    (A) It is rather of a spiritual nature, but remember the mental or the mind is ever the builder.
42. (Q) Would the greater positivity of the woman attract a child of the male sex?
    (A) To be sure. These vary according to the number of the electrons about any given center.
43. (Q) Does intercourse while carrying child interfere with the physical or spiritual development of the child?
    (A) After three months, yes.
44. (Q) Can exercise be continued during pregnancy? Also daily housework?
    (A) Normal exercise should be continued throughout pregnancy; else there's very apt to become static somewhere in body.
45. (Q) Can gardening be done during that time?
    (A) Can be very well done. Keep in the open and close to nature, - this is the better way of activity.
46. (Q) Is it necessary or best to go to the Philadelphia Osteopathic Hospital for the delivery, or is it too early to determine this at present?
    (A) This will depend much upon the general conditions. This is an excellent place, however.
47. (Q) Is there an osteopathic obstetrician in New York or Yonkers to take care of body before birth, or isn't it necessary since body has received all this information?
    (A) It is best to have such, and same may be located by the telephone book, or through some sympathetic physician who may already be giving such treatments.
48. (Q) Do grapefruit and lemon contain Vitamin B?
    (A) Very little; more of C.
49. (Q) Do carrots carry this Vitamin B? Does it make any difference whether they are raw or cooked?
    (A) They do. If cooked, be sure they are cooked in their own juices to preserve the greater portion of same, but there's quite a variation as to that that is released for digestive forces by being cooked. There are periods when they are better assimilated cooked than raw, but the juices are the source of the vitamin - and that, of course, close to the skin.
50. (Q) Are there any whole grain cereals containing Vitamin B which are not too much starch for this body?
    (A) Oats are the better sources, - oats and barley. [Maltex?]
51. (Q) Among the meat foods that may be taken, can lamb, veal and well done beef be included?
    (A) Beef may be included at times, but not too often.
52. (Q) Do raw foods carry more of the calcium; such as lettuce, cabbage, carrots and cauliflower? Does cooking destroy the calcium in foods?
    (A) To be sure. At times, but if the cooking is done in Patapar Paper, so that all the juices are saved with same, then these are just as well - and, as indicated - at times more preferable, for they are more easily assimilated, and especially so during pregnancy.
53. (Q) Is there anything else besides information given which is necessary for body to do or to know for the best physical development both of body itself and child?
    (A) Much instruction has been prepared by those not only of these schools but certain clinics; and these would be well to compare with this information and in meeting the needs as arise from day to day.
54. (Q) Could any further advice be given in a joint physical reading with body's husband? [Mr. [412]]
    (A) Not necessarily; not other than that as may be given that may be correlated.
55. (Q) Any other advice at this time?
    (A) Remember, it is the purpose and the ideal that counts. THAT hold to!
56. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 457-8 on 4/23/42.
2. 5/11/42 She submitted questions.

REPORTS

1. 5/21/42 P.M. See continuation of her questions and EC's answers - 457-10.
2. 7/72 FAMILY CIRCLE magazine, Here's News in Medicine, by Lawrence Galton: [Read in connection with 457-9, Par. 43-A.]
   SEX IN PREGNANCY
   CAN SEX LATE in pregnancy have undesirable effects on the course of pregnancy? Of 200 women studied by Dr. R. C. Goodlin and a Stanford University School of Medicine team, 70 percent reported that they had experienced orgasm during the last six months of pregnancy. Of possible significance was the experience of women who had orgasm after the 32nd week of pregnancy; in comparison with others who did not, these women had a significantly higher rate of premature birth. Even among some of the women who delivered at the normal time, orgasm occasionally was responsible for painful uterine contractions or lower abdominal discomfort during pregnancy.
   Obstetrics & Gynecology: Vol. 38, page 916.

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