Library

Generally, if a pregnant woman's Spleen and Stomach functions are robust and her Qi and Blood are sufficient, the fetus will be secure, delivery will proceed normally, and the child will likely live long. In such cases, there is no need for fetal stabilization measures. However, if Qi and Blood are deficient and the Spleen and Stomach are weak, leading to reduced food intake, various deficiency syndromes may arise. This can result in recurrent miscarriages and a shorter lifespan for the child. In these instances, medicinal support is necessary to assist both the mother and the fetus, ensuring the child's longevity.

Pregnancy is formed by the convergence and condensation of Essence and Blood. The steaming of Essence into the Stomach causes vomiting. When Blood is scant and the Liver is deficient, there may be an increased craving for sour foods. If the Stomach Qi is injured, it leads to aversion and obstruction of food intake. For individuals who are constitutionally weak with vomiting and obstruction, the dosages of Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) should be increased; this is inherent to the state of pregnancy. Zhuli (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia Juice) and Jiangzhi (Zingiberis Recensis Juice) are used. For fetal pain requiring gentle relief, slightly add Sharen (Amomi Fructus) with the shell. For fetal bleeding (Tainlou), cooling agents are appropriate, specifically using Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata).

Regarding trauma from falls that disturbs the fetus causing bleeding, Jiao'ai Tang (Colla Corii Asini et Artemisia Decoction) is suitable. Anger causing fetal Qi to rush upward requires Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) as a guiding herb. Short and difficult urination resembling strangury indicates that Anrong Fang should not employ lifting methods. If stagnant blood flows into the bladder, Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) and Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) are appropriate additions.

For Zizhong (pregnancy edema) with puffy face and limbs due to water retention, Quansheng Baizhu (All-Generating Atractylodes Macrocephala) is effective. For Zifan (pregnancy irritability) characterized by heart palpitations, fearfulness, and occasional oppression, Zhuye AnTai Tang (Bamboo Leaf Fetal Stabilization Decoction) can treat it. Tianxianteng (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Herba) treats Ziqi (pregnancy swelling of feet); for leakage of fluid between toes in deficient persons, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) are commonly used. Lingyangjiao (Saigae Tataricae Cornu) regulates ZiXian (pregnancy eclampsia); for neck stiffness and muscle spasms, Renshen and Zhuli are applied.

If Spleen Qi deficiency causes the fetus to press on the bladder, resulting in umbilical abdominal pain and strangury/retention, Antai Yin (Fetal Stabilization Drink) is suitable, but the method should involve lifting and inducing vomiting. If Spleen Qi weakness causes slow transportation, leading to food stagnation and gastric distension/vomiting, the mild effect of Antai Yin requires adding Renshen, harmonized with Pingwei San (Stomach-Ping Powder).

Furthermore, for chest fullness, abdominal distension, constipation, and generalized edema, Liyu Tang (Carp Decoction) is most suitable for treating Taishui (fetal hydrops/water retention). Suspecting Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency, Sizijun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) and Wupi Yin (Five Peel Decoction) serve as adjuvants. For fetal Qi attacking upward causing heart and abdominal distension and pain, Zisu Yin (Perilla Leaf Drink) is highly appropriate for treating Zixuan (pregnancy abdominal pain due to constrained fetal Qi).

If there is poor appetite and afternoon fever, Xiaoyao San with modifications is suitable; combined with Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Qianhu (Peucedani Radix), and Meilian (Coptidis Rhizoma etc.) made into pills, it can dissipate bone-steaming consumption fever. Danggui Liu Huang Wan (Angelica Six-Huang Pill) serves as a guide to eliminate night sweats and afternoon fever.

Recurrent miscarriages occur because maternal Blood is weak and cannot nourish the fetus sufficiently. Lack of Qi in the newborn stems from maternal Qi deficiency, where the mother can only barely nourish herself. When an older man marries a young woman, he must practice sexual restraint to await the menstrual cycle. If vigorous Yang encounters declining Yin, frequent medication is necessary to preserve fetal strength. Renshen, Baizhu, and Tiaoqin (Scutellariae Radix) are sacred herbs for fetal stabilization. Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus - *Note: Text says Xiong Gui Huai Shu, usually implies Dang Gui*), and Huaishu (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata from Huaiqing) are excellent standards for tonifying Blood. Adjuvanted with Zisuye (Perillae Folium) and Chenpi, they form a formula for regular use.

Before the sixth month of pregnancy, the fetus has not yet fully transported; therefore, Fuling (Poria) with its descending nature should not be used excessively. Huangqi (Astragali Radix) for fattening the fetus should not be added regularly. Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma) may be added for fetal panting, but long-term use harms deficient persons. Sharen can stop vomiting and relieve pain, but excessive use moves Blood and disturbs the fetus.

Reviewing Danxi's theories, they amount to only a few words. Formulas for fetal stabilization are limited to three or four. If one can modify them to treat diseases, success rates can reach eighty or ninety percent.