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(Two Treatises, Twenty-three Prescriptions, One Chapter on Taboos, Twenty Chapters on Monthly Fetal Nourishment)

The treatise states: According to old theories, once conception has occurred for three months, the fetus changes according to external objects, and its constitutive quality is not yet settled. Therefore, during the first three months of pregnancy, it is desirable for the pregnant woman to observe rhinoceroses, elephants, fierce beasts, pearls, jade, and precious treasures; to see sages, gentlemen, and great masters of virtue; to witness rituals, music, bells and drums, and sacrificial vessels (Zu Dou); military formations and displays; to burn fragrant incense; to recite the *Book of Songs* and the *Book of Documents*, as well as ancient and modern admonitions and warnings; to reside in a simple and quiet environment; to eat only meat cut correctly and sit only on mats arranged properly; to play the qin and se; to harmonize the mind and spirit, balance emotions, and moderate desires. If all matters are kept pure and clean, the child born will be excellent, long-lived, loyal, filial, benevolent, righteous, intelligent, and wise, free from disease. This is said to be the prenatal education of King Wen.

Another treatise states: While in the womb, before the days and months are complete, Yin and Yang are not fully prepared, and the viscera, bowels, bones, and joints are not yet fully formed. Therefore, from the beginning of conception until delivery, there are taboos regarding diet and daily life.

If one eats sheep liver during pregnancy, the child will suffer many misfortunes.
If one eats goat meat during pregnancy, the child will suffer from many illnesses.
If one eats donkey or horse meat during pregnancy, the child may be overdue (difficult labor). Eating mule meat causes difficult labor.
If one eats rabbit or dog meat during pregnancy, the child will have no voice and a cleft lip.
If one eats eggs and dried carp during pregnancy, the child will suffer from many sores.
If one eats chicken meat and glutinous rice during pregnancy, the child will suffer from tapeworms (Cestoda).
If one eats mulberries and duck meat during pregnancy, the child may be born breech (inverse presentation) and suffer from cold heart.
If one eats sparrow meat and bean paste during pregnancy, the child will have many black spots on the face.
If one eats sparrow meat and drinks alcohol during pregnancy, the child’s mind will be lustful and chaotic, lacking a sense of shame.
If one eats soft-shelled turtle during pregnancy, the child will have a short neck.
If one drinks ice slush during pregnancy, it will cause abortion.
One must not urinate or defecate in unusual places during pregnancy, as this will surely cause miscarriage and harm the mother.

Xu Zhicai’s Monthly Fetal Nourishment Prescriptions:
The first month of pregnancy is called "Shi Pei" (Initial Embryo). The diet should be fine and well-cooked, with a preference for sour and delicious flavors. It is suitable to eat barley, and one should avoid fishy, pungent, and spicy foods. This is called "Cai Zheng."

During the first month of pregnancy, the Foot Jueyin Meridian nourishes the fetus. Acupuncture and moxibustion on this meridian should be avoided (such as the points Dàdūn LR1, Xínghuān LR2, Tàichōng LR3, Zhōngfēng LR4, Wǔlǐ LR5, Zhōngdū LR8, etc.). The Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian internally connects to the Liver. The Liver governs the sinews and blood. During the first month, blood circulation is sluggish. One should not engage in strenuous physical labor, sleep must be quiet, and fear should be prevented.

In the first month of pregnancy, Yin and Yang newly combine to form the embryo. Excess Cold leads to pain, while excess Heat leads to sudden palpitations or fright. Heavy lifting causing lower back pain, abdominal distension, uterine tension, or sudden vaginal bleeding requires preventive fetal stabilization. It is appropriate to consume Black Hen Chicken Soup.