Library

For any woman after conception until the month of delivery, the zang-fu organs are congested and obstructed, and the joints are not smooth in movement. She must not sleep for long periods but should walk frequently. It is inappropriate to consume sticky, hard, or indigestible foods; excessive alcohol consumption is forbidden; decoctions should not be taken indiscriminately; and acupuncture and moxibustion should not be performed arbitrarily. One must maintain a relaxed spirit, reduce worry and overthinking, avoid carrying heavy loads, or climbing heights and traversing dangerous terrain. If there is occasional fetal unrest or lower back pain, one should take one or two doses of fetal-calming medicine (An Tai Yao) and stop once calm is restored. Zhou stated: Although childbirth involves contact with filth and requires various preparations, on the first day of the predicted month of delivery, one must post the birth chart and the location of the "Daily Wandering Fetal Sha" (a concept referring to daily shifting harmful influences in the uterus), as well as apply the method of borrowing earth fortune (Jie Di Fa, a geomantic practice for safe delivery) on the north wall of the pregnant woman's room. The bed and curtains should be set up according to these positions, with thick mats and bedding laid down densely and securely, ensuring no gaps exist. In summer, thick straw mats should also be used, along with oiled thin mats and gauze curtains prepared for use. Incense should be burned regularly to keep the environment clean, and medicinal decoctions and utensils should be ready. Once labor begins, there must be no noise or commotion; chaotic personnel and panic among family members can frighten the parturient woman. One should pre-select an elderly, experienced midwife, along with one or two steady women familiar with childbirth to assist, avoiding frantic behavior that might cause anxiety and fear in the mother. Idlers, people from mourning households, or those considered unclean should be kept away from viewing, lest they cause premature labor through shock. If the midwife is incompetent and fails to properly assess the situation, mistaking the initial movement of fetal qi for imminent birth, and interferes prematurely, causing shock and early expulsion, complications such as breech or transverse lie may arise.

The *Chanbao Fang* (Prescriptions for Obstetrics) states: When pregnancy approaches term, if the abdomen hurts but the lower back does not hurt significantly, true labor has not yet begun. The woman should be encouraged to walk while supporting herself and endure the sensation. If she cannot walk, she should lean against objects to stand; if she can walk, she should continue walking. If the amniotic fluid (described here as "clothing paste") breaks first, followed by rhythmic lower back and abdominal pain, and a sensation of fire in the eyes, this indicates the fetus has detached from the Kidney meridian and is pressing against the birth canal. At this point, one or two doses of labor-inducing medicine should be administered, and the woman should be helped onto the birthing mat. One must absolutely avoid sitting on the mat too early. It is essential to conserve the mother's strength, allow her to rest and regulate her breathing, and the midwife should explain this beforehand. If the mother feels mental restlessness, one spoonful of white honey mixed with fresh well water can be taken. If hungry, a small amount of soft rice or porridge should be eaten. Supplies must be prepared so the mother does not suffer from hunger or thirst, which could lead to weakness and exhaustion. If neither hungry nor thirsty, forcing food is unnecessary. Generally, childbirth occurs at its own appointed time; one should not forcibly administer labor-inducing or slippery-uterus drugs. These may only be used if necessary due to premature positioning on the mat. Taking them without indication may cause other diseases, so caution is required.