Library

Pregnant women should prioritize the moderation of sexual desire above all else. Women may not be aware of this principle. However, men also lack understanding in this regard; is this not foolish? Regarding conditions that lead to miscarriage, if sexual intercourse continues, one fails to realize that once emotional desire arises, blood and qi will burn like fire, causing the zang-fu organs to become unsettled, and consequently, the fetal breath (Tai Xi) becomes insecure.

This is not all. The concept of "moderation of desire" has a broad meaning. Any aspect concerning daily routine, diet, rest, the seven emotions (joy, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, fright), or the six pathogenic factors (wind, cold, summer-heat, dampness, dryness, fire), if provoked or offended, causes internal heat to flare up. These are all forms of "desire." Should they not all be reduced and regulated to align with the mean? Therefore, during pregnancy, treatment should primarily focus on clearing heat and nourishing blood. The prescription used is Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) augmented with Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix). For any accompanying miscellaneous syndromes, this formula can be modified accordingly.

In the month approaching delivery, one should avoid climbing heights or engaging in dangerous activities, nor indulge in excessive sleep or worry. It is necessary to walk frequently to promote movement, thereby ensuring the smooth flow of blood and qi, making delivery easier. Difficulties in childbirth often arise because pregnant women have never previously heard explanations regarding the principles of reproduction. Consequently, they cannot remain calm when labor begins, leading to panic at the due time and improper exertion of force, resulting in dystocia.

Thus, there are cases where the hand presents first (indicating malpresentation); cases where the foot presents first (breech or footling presentation); and cases where the buttocks present first (sacral presentation). All these are errors caused by pushing too early. When abdominal pain initially begins, the fetus is just turning and has not yet assumed the correct position. If force is applied prematurely, it leads to transverse or abnormal presentations. In normal delivery, the fetus acts as if waking from a dream, naturally turning its body, rupturing the membranes to seek the birth canal, and descending with the amniotic fluid. This is the normal course for easy delivery.

However, if the fetal vitality is weak, resembling a state of deep sleep, the turning of the head is sluggish, and it cannot descend with the amniotic fluid. Once the amniotic fluid dries up, the uterus becomes dry and sticky, and turbid blood blocks the pathway. With nowhere to go, the fetus cannot proceed smoothly. During the process of delivery, if the amniotic fluid has flowed for a long time but delivery has not progressed, emergency administration of parturition-inducing medicine is required to facilitate birth. One must strictly avoid panic and clamor. Only one or two experienced, mature midwives should provide support. Do not rush into action or attempt delivery hastily, as this may cause premature injury, disrupt the fetal origin, and even endanger both mother and child. Such outcomes are entirely due to such negligence. How can one not be cautious! How can one not be cautious!