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*Fun Ke Ji Lue* (Collected Abstracts on Gynecology) states: The Kidney system in women is connected to the fetus; this is the mother's true Qi (vital energy), which the offspring relies upon. After conception, one should maintain a calm and tranquil state of mind, so that Blood and Qi remain harmonious and peaceful. One must ensure that the Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Pensiveness, Sorrow, Fear, Fright) are properly regulated internally, and that the Five Flavors (Sour, Bitter, Sweet, Pungent, Salty) are moderate externally. Foods that are extremely cold or extremely hot are strictly prohibited. This prevents pathogens such as fog, dew, wind, and evil influences from entering during moments of vulnerability. Sexual intercourse should also be avoided to prevent stirring up desire. Diet must be carefully regulated and restrained. For instance, consuming rabbit meat may cause cleft lip in the child; consuming dog meat may result in a voiceless child; consuming mixed fish may lead to skin sores and tinea. If the Heart Qi is severely shocked, it may lead to manic-depressive disorder (dianji); if Kidney Qi is insufficient, it may cause fontanelle delay closure (jie lu); if Spleen Qi is disharmonious, it may result in emaciation; if Heart Qi is deficient, it may lead to spiritual insufficiency. The child inherits from the mother's Qi, so caution is essential. Unless there are symptoms such as fetal movement pain, fetal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, or external pathogenic factors like wind-cold, medication should not be taken lightly.

*Bian Chan Xu Zhi* (Necessary Knowledge for Safe Delivery) states: Do not take medicine indiscriminately; do not drink alcohol excessively; do not perform acupuncture and moxibustion arbitrarily; do not defecate or urinate in abnormal places; do not lift heavy objects, climb high, or venture into danger; do not indulge in sexual desires. If one experiences severe fright, violating this rule may lead to difficult labor, and the child will likely suffer from epilepsy. Do not sleep or lie down too much; walk frequently. Do not overexert oneself physically, as this depletes Kidney Qi and may cause the child to be born with fontanelle delay closure (jie lu). Clothing should not be too warm, and food intake should not be excessive. If the Spleen and Stomach are disharmonious, and Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi are weak and timid, the child will likely be emaciated and prone to illness. If one encounters construction or earth-moving activities and offends the Earth Qi, it may cause deformity or death to the fetus. Offending by knives causes physical injury; offending by mud causes blockage of orifices; being struck results in dark blue complexion; being bound leads to limb contracture. If such conditions occur, their verification is as immediate as shadow following form; one must strictly avoid these taboos.

Shen Zhai commented: The above two passages describe methods for prenatal regulation and precautions against taboos.

*Sù Wèn* (Plain Questions) states: How can one know that a pregnant woman is about to give birth? It is answered: The body presents with pathological signs (such as amenorrhea), but the pulse lacks pathological characteristics.

Ma Xuantai explained: "Body presenting with pathological signs" refers to amenorrhea. "Lacking pathological pulse" means the pulse at the Chi position (cun-guan-chi, specifically chi) is harmonious and even. In the first month of pregnancy, the essence of Yin and Yang has not yet transformed. By the second month, the essence and Qi are actively transforming; their steaming effect harasses the Stomach, leading to E Zu (morning sickness). By the third and fourth months, E Zu subsides slightly, and the pulse becomes very slippery and rapid. This is because the male or female fetus is forming its structure, and its Qi is not yet settled. By the fifth and sixth months, the structure is established, and gender is distinguished. By the eighth, ninth, and tenth months, the pulse becomes peaceful and resembles that of a non-pregnant state. However, unless the physician deeply understands pulse diagnosis and the patient clearly comprehends the reason, it is difficult to diagnose through palpation alone. *Mai Jue* (Pulse Classic) states: "Slippery and rapid without dispersion indicates three months of pregnancy; only rapid without dispersion indicates five months." After the sixth month, the rapid quality disappears. However, some cases show consistently full and rapid pulses without change due to abundant Qi and Blood; thus, one cannot apply a rigid rule universally. Therefore, when the Yellow Emperor asked how to identify impending childbirth, he meant precisely this principle. Boyan pointed out that although the body exhibits the symptom of amenorrhea, it lacks the pathological pulse associated with amenorrhea. The pathological pulse for amenorrhea is characterized by interruption or complete absence upon pressing at the Chi position. Here, however, the pulse body is peaceful, even, and quiet, representing a healthy pulse. This state appearing in the eighth, ninth, and tenth months is indeed the sign of impending childbirth.