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The woman’s menstruation has stopped for three months. If the pulse does not show signs of pregnancy, but there is occasional spotting, a test for pregnancy should be performed. Use 1 to 2 qian of Chuanxiong Rhizoma powder (Chuanxiong), taken with a decoction prepared by soaking a small amount of Artemisia argyi Folium (Ai Ye).

(The rhyme: Baidu Fructus (Badou), Aconitum Lateralis Preparatum (Tianxiong) together with Aconitum Carmichaelii Radix Preparata (Fuzi); Peony Root (Mudanpi), Mirabilite (Xiaoshuang), Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), and Peach Kernel (Taoren); Safflower (Honghua), Coix Seed (Yimi) along with Ephedra Stem (Mahuang), Rubia Cordifolia Root (Qiancao), Veratrum Nigrum Rhizome (Lilu), Pangolin Scales (Chuanshanjia), and Asarum Root (Xixin); Sophora Fruit (Huaijiao), Imperata Rhizome (Maogen), and Achyranthes Bidentata Root (Niuxi).)

In the past, Chen Liangfu in *Liangfang Daquan* provided a differentiation of pulse and symptoms for testing pregnancy, classifying them into Zong (vertical), Heng (horizontal), Shun (smooth), and Ni (reverse) patterns, to determine gender or whether the pregnancy was singleton, twin, or triplet. Such claims cannot be immediately accepted as correct.

At five months of gestation, the fetus begins to receive the essence of Fire; limbs are formed, hair grows, and the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian governs the fetus. At six months, it receives the essence of Wood; bones and sinews mature, the Hun (Ethereal Soul) wanders, and the pulse on the left hand becomes vigorous, governed by the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. At seven months, it receives the essence of Metal; mouth and eyes are complete, the Po (Corporeal Soul) wanders, and the pulse on the right hand becomes vigorous, governed by the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. At eight months, it receives the essence of Earth; skin develops, nine orifices form, governed by the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian (Note: Text says Hand-Yangming, but traditionally Eight Month is often associated with Lung/Large Intestine transition or Stomach depending on lineage; here strictly translating text which attributes Right Hand/Vigorous pulse to Hand-Yangming). At nine months, it receives the essence of Water (Text says "Stone Essence", likely a textual error for Water); all joints are complete, the fetus turns three times, governed by the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. At ten months, the Shen (Spirit) and Qi are fully developed, and Blood and Qi are sufficient; the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian governs this stage. When Qi transformation is normal, delivery can occur. ○ I have said that one must guard against miscarriage during the third, fifth, and seventh months. Why is this? Because at three months, the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian governs the fetus. If the Ministerial Fire moves recklessly, even loud talking or laughing can disturb the fetus. At five months, the Foot-Taiyin Spleen governs the fetus. The uterine ligaments are connected to the Spleen Meridian; if Damp-Heat injures the Spleen Qi, fetal disease results. At seven months, the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian governs the fetus. Having just received the essence of Metal, upon encountering external pathogens, the Lung is affected first, making the fetus prone to abortion. In treating pregnant women, the primary principle must be to calm the fetus. Even if other diseases exist, they should be treated secondarily. Once the fetus is stabilized, the illness will naturally resolve. If expelling pathogens is prioritized over calming the fetus, the pathogens may remain while the fetus is injured. How can this be ignored? Ancients established separate methods for calming the fetus, advising against taking them when ill, instead prescribing one to three doses monthly to nourish the fetus and clear heat, treating before disease arises. This shows a lack of flexibility and is foolish. I have formulated a prescription where herbs for nourishing the fetus are added or subtracted according to the month, which is most appropriate. If external pathogens are encountered, methods for clearing pathogens can be used as adjuvants.