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5. Abdominal pain occurring before the full term of pregnancy, where the body returns to normal after the pain subsides, is called "Shi Tai" (Trial Labor). Abdominal pain near the due date without lower back pain, which comes and goes intermittently, is called "Nong Tai" (Playful Labor). Neither of these indicates true labor; one should remain calm and free from doubt or suspicion.

[Annotation] When a woman is eight or nine months pregnant, if she experiences abdominal pain that resolves leaving her in her usual state, this is termed "Shi Tai" (Trial Labor), and it is appropriate to nourish blood to stabilize the fetus. If the term is full, with intermittent abdominal pain but no lower back pain, this is termed "Nong Tai" (Playful Labor), and one should not lightly intervene with medication. Neither situation represents the time for true delivery; one must not be restless or doubtful, but rather remain tranquil and wait for the proper time.

6. Regarding the timing of assuming the birthing position ("Zuo Cao"), it is crucial to act at the right moment. If the fetal position is maladjusted and progress is slow, forcing the mother to push too early may result in abnormal fetal presentation, leading to regret that cannot be retrieved.

[Annotation] When a parturient assumes the birthing position, timing is paramount and should not be too early. If the fetus has not yet turned into the correct position, it is better to allow more time and wait with a relaxed mind. If the birthing position is assumed too early, and the mother is urged to exert force during non-labor times, it often forces the fetus into an abnormal position, potentially resulting in transverse or breech presentations. At such a point, even deep regret would be futile!

7. When the fetal position is aligned with the vertex presenting at the vaginal opening, the amniotic sac has ruptured, and there is abdominal and lumbar pain, along with a sensation of rectal protrusion and pulsation in the middle phalanx or proximal interphalangeal joint of the middle finger, this is the time to bear down and deliver the baby.

[Annotation] The birth of a child occurs according to its own timing. When the time arrives, the fetal position becomes aligned, the vertex presents directly at the birth canal, amniotic fluid flows abundantly, the waist feels heavy with abdominal pain, there is a sensation of rectal protrusion, and pulsation occurs in the middle or proximal segment of the mother's middle finger. Only then is it the time for true labor, and only then should the mother bear down to deliver the baby, ensuring a smooth birth.

8. If the symphysis pubis fails to separate ("Jiao Gu Bu Kai"), careful examination is required. This may be due to Qi and Blood deficiency or primiparity. Generally, it is advisable to use "Kai Gu San" (Bone-Opening Powder) to unblock Yin Qi. The formula consists of Foshou San (Buddha's Hand Decoction), Testudo Shell, and ash from the hair of women who have given birth to daughters. If caused by deficiency, adding Ginseng is beneficial; a single dose can cause the bones to separate immediately.

[Annotation] Failure of the symphysis pubis to separate in parturients may be due to Qi and Blood deficiency or because it is their first pregnancy. Both conditions are suitable for treatment with Kai Gu San (Bone-Opening Powder) to unblock Yin Qi. This formula is essentially Foshou San (Buddha's Hand Decoction) added with dried Testudo Shell and ash from the hair of women who have delivered female infants. For those with Qi and Blood deficiency, adding Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) allows the bones to separate immediately upon administration.