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The *Shengji Jing* states: Some people, due to treating diseases during pregnancy, hold the argument that it may damage the fetus and break blood. How can they know that when pathogenic factors are violent and fierce, and healthy qi is weak, if one adheres rigidly to fixed prescriptions without flexibility, and allows the condition to proceed without medication, the mother will become emaciated and weak; how then can the fetus be preserved? The sages of antiquity said that in pregnancy, if there is toxicity (referring to pathogenic factors), as long as there is an existing cause, there will be no injury to the mother; stop treatment when the disease has diminished by more than half. Generally, the nature and flavor of medicines are originally intended to treat illnesses. If prescriptions are balanced and appropriate to the severity of the illness, and one knows to stop when half the disease is gone, what doubt is there regarding aggressive treatment?

Wang Haizang stated: There are two methods for calming the fetus. If the fetus moves restlessly because the mother is ill, treating the mother's illness will naturally calm the fetus. If the fetal qi is insecure or disturbed, causing illness in the mother, calming the fetus will allow the mother to recover spontaneously.

Shen Zhai commented: The above two points illustrate that fetal diseases must not go untreated. However, the method of treatment should distinguish whether the disease originates from the mother or the fetus, and treat accordingly.

Zhang Jiegu stated: For women in childhood, before the onset of Tian Gui (menstrual fluid), the condition belongs to the Shaoyin channel; after the onset of Tian Gui, it belongs to the Jueyin channel; after the cessation of Tian Gui, it belongs to the Taiyin channel. Treating obstetric diseases from the perspective of the Jueyin channel is because this is the source of ancestral qi generation and transformation. The Jueyin channel and the Shaoyang channel are exterior-interior pairs; therefore, treatment methods must not violate Stomach qi, nor affect the Upper and Middle Jiao. This is called the "Three Prohibitions": do not induce sweating, do not purge, and do not promote urination. If sweating is induced, it is similar to the syndrome of premature purgation in Cold Damage disorders. If bowels are unblocked, the pulse becomes rapid and disturbs the Spleen. If urination is promoted, internal fluids are lost, leading to dryness and withering in the Stomach. If medications are used without violating these three prohibitions, Ying and Wei Qi will harmonize, and chills and fever will cease.

Wang Haizang stated: During pregnancy, if Qi and Blood are peaceful, various diseases will not arise. If Qi is excessive and generates Heat, Heat will consume Qi and Blood, causing fetal insecurity; the primary approach should be to Clear Heat and Nourish Blood. If daily life and diet are properly regulated, desires are abandoned, and fetal Qi is nurtured, even if other syndromes occur, the main principle remains calming the fetus.

Zhu Danxi stated: During pregnancy, the primary approach should be to Clear Heat and Nourish Blood; Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) and Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) are the sacred medicines for calming the fetus. Empirical physicians, unaware of this, dare not use them, instead claiming that warm-tonic agents can nourish the fetus. They do not realize that clearing Heat is most suitable during pregnancy, allowing Blood to follow its vessels without reckless movement, thus nourishing the fetus. Huangqin calms the fetus and acts on the Upper and Middle Jiao, directing Fire downward. Leonuri Fructus (Yimucao) invigorates Blood and moves Qi, possessing Yin-nourishing properties. During pregnancy, there is no stagnation; postpartum, there is no deficiency, because moving Qi contains tonifying effects. If sudden abdominal pain occurs at three or four months of pregnancy, only Amomi Fructus Rotundus (Sharen) and Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang) can calm the fetus, relieve pain, and move Qi. At eight or nine months, one must smooth Qi, using agents such as Aurantii Fructus (Zhike) and Perillae Folium (Zisu). However, for those with Qi Deficiency, one should tonify Qi to move stagnation, using Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Baizhu, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), plus Carpesii Fructus (Fupi). For those with Qi Excess, one should deplete Qi to suppress Yang, using Huangqin, Baizhu, Chenpi, Gancao, plus Zhike. As delivery approaches, if there is Fetal Heat, use Sanbu Wan (Three Tonics Pill) with Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu) and Baishao, or Dihuang Gao (Rehmannia Paste); if there is Blood Deficiency, use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction). For thin and weak individuals, avoid Baishao, as it damages Liver Qi.