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A person questioned me, saying: "Is this not like Bian Que passing through Handan, focusing solely on women's diseases? Women's ailments are too numerous to count; why do you single out this aspect?" I replied: "Guest, please do not assume that I wrote this merely out of gratitude to women."

Humanity and the world interact and succeed one another, from one generation to two, and even to ten thousand generations; it is only "birth" (life/reproduction) that remains fundamental. Thus, the *Book of Rites* states: "The ruler is regarded as the master of the state altars, and as the successor to the ancestors; how can one fail to pay utmost respect?" This emphasizes the weight of their responsibility.

Moreover, regarding illnesses caused by yin-yang imbalance in human conduct, where are there no diseases? However, illness does not entirely depend on human will, nor can humans completely control illness. Yet childbirth is something women cannot avoid. Childbirth itself is not a disease, but its lethality often occurs within moments. Therefore, women view giving birth as escaping the burden of pregnancy; if they survive safely, it is considered a fortunate escape. If there is any lack of caution, it may bring lifelong trouble, which is borne exclusively by women. Furthermore, the inner chambers are private and secret; observation (inspection) and listening/smelling have their limitations, and even skilled physicians cannot exhaustively cover all situations. People often entrust their lives to vulgar old women or fanatical shamans. Eager for quick results, they rashly employ foolish methods, leading to the death of both mother and child, or even cutting off the family lineage. This is truly pitiable and painful. My purpose in publishing this book is to ensure every household has a copy for frequent reference and warning, so that women may understand the causes of such dangers and know how to protect themselves. It is said that those who raise bamboo shoots must care for the bamboo, and those who raise calves must care for the young cattle. Is this concern not also directed toward women? The guest said: "Excellent! Please make this public to all directions."

Written by Wang Huazhen of Langya on the Zhongyuan Festival of the Wuchen Year of the Wanli Era.

The *Classic* says: "When the yin pulse beats vigorously and differs distinctly from the yang pulse, it indicates pregnancy." This signifies the harmony of qi and blood, where yang exerts influence and yin transforms. Master Wang stated: "When the Taichong pulse is vigorous but qi is deficient, it is the normal pattern during lactation." Diagnosing the hand Shaoyin (Heart) pulse as beating vigorously indicates pregnancy. Shaoyin refers to the Heart pulse. The Heart governs blood vessels. Additionally, the Kidney serves as the gate of the uterus (Bao Men Zi Hu). Generally, the Shaoyin meridian in the hand belongs to the Heart, while in the foot, it belongs to the Kidney. The Kidney governs bones. If the Chi position pulse at the wrist remains unceasing upon pressure, this is the method for diagnosing pregnancy. The *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) states: "Women rely on the Bao (uterus)." When the pulses at the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) are equal in floating and sinking depth, and unceasing upon pressure, it indicates pregnancy. Initially, the Cun pulse is slightly small, with five breaths per pulse beat. At three months, the Chi pulse becomes rapid, and the pulse is slippery and swift; if it feels scattered when pressed lightly, the uterus is three months along. If the pulse is unceasing under heavy pressure but rapid without being slippery, it indicates five months. For pregnant women at four months, to predict the sex: a rapid pulse on the left indicates a male, on the right a female; rapid pulses on both sides indicate twins. Another method: obtaining a Taiyin pulse indicates a male, a Taiyang pulse indicates a female; Taiyin pulses are deep, Taiyang pulses are superficial. Another method: a deep and solid pulse on the left indicates a male, a floating and large pulse on the right indicates a female; deep and solid pulses on both hands indicate twin boys; floating and large pulses on both hands indicate twin girls. Another method: a larger Chi pulse on the left indicates a male, on the right a female; large pulses on both sides indicate twins, with the pulse feeling full and solid. Another method: floating and large pulses on both sides indicate twin boys; otherwise, it may be a girl presenting as a boy. Deep pulses on both sides indicate twin girls; otherwise, it may be a boy presenting as a girl. Another method: ask the pregnant woman to walk facing south, then call her from behind; if she turns her head to the left, it is a boy; to the right, a girl. Another method: observe her when she goes to the toilet; if the husband calls her from behind and she turns left, it is a boy; right, a girl. Another sign: if a pregnant woman has a nodule in the left breast, it is a boy; in the right breast, a girl. When a woman is near delivery (Li Jing), her pulse is floating and large, accompanied by abdominal pain radiating to the waist and spine, indicating imminent birth. Once the Li Jing pulse appears, pain ensues. Another method: for impending delivery, if the Li Jing pulse is felt at midnight, birth will occur at noon.

During the first month of pregnancy, the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian nourishes the fetus; the second month, the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian; the third month, the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian; the fourth month, the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian; the fifth month, the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian; the sixth month, the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian; the seventh month, the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian; the eighth month, the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian; the ninth month, the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian; the tenth month, the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian.

Yantai San (Pregnancy Verification Powder)

If menstruation has ceased for three months, and the Chi pulse continues to beat strongly, it indicates pregnancy.

Grind Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong) into powder. Take one qian each time on an empty stomach, mixed with decoction of Ai Ye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium) boiled in water. If slight movement is felt in the abdomen, it indicates pregnancy. If there is no movement after one day of taking the medicine, it is not pregnancy, but likely menstrual stagnation.

Ai Cu Tang (Mugwort and Vinegar Decoction)

Useful when the expected date has passed and pregnancy status is unclear, or when the gestational period is insufficient for clear diagnosis.

Take good vinegar and Ai Ye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium). After consuming half a cup, severe abdominal cramping indicates pregnancy; absence of pain indicates no pregnancy.