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Intestinal polyps (a type of abdominal mass) in women may resemble pregnancy. This condition arises when cold pathogenic factors invade the exterior of the intestines and contend with Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), obstructing Qi circulation and preventing proper nourishment. Consequently, a mass forms and adheres internally, generating malignant Qi and causing tissue proliferation. Initially, the mass is the size of a chicken egg, gradually enlarging until it resembles a pregnant abdomen. It feels firm upon palpation but can be moved upon pushing. Menstruation continues to occur on schedule. This indicates Qi stagnation in the Large Intestine; it is a disorder of Qi rather than Blood, hence menstruation remains uninterrupted. Treatment should employ formulas that dissipate Qi and resolve masses.

Conversely, accumulated Blood (Blood stasis) resembling pregnancy often results from chronic depression or anger, leading to amenorrhea and gradual abdominal distension. Initially mistaken for pregnancy, symptoms become apparent when delivery does not occur past the expected date. This represents Blood accumulation at the uterine os; it is a disorder of Blood and should be treated with blood-breaking purgatives.

In cases where pregnant women develop smallpox (or similar exanthematous diseases), heat pathogens may disturb the fetus. If the fetus is expelled, Qi and Blood decline, preventing the rash from erupting and suppurating properly. Therefore, the primary treatment principle throughout is to calm the fetus. Externally, soft silk bands should be used to tightly support the abdomen. One must strictly avoid drying and heating herbs such as Dingxiang (Caryophylli Flos) and Rongui (Cinnamomi Cortex), as well as toxic foods like cow lice. Herbs compatible with the disease state, such as Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Aiyè (Artemisiae Argyi Folium), and Sharen (Amomi Fructus), should be selected for use. During the initial fever stage, Shen Su Yin (Ginseng and Perilla Decoction) is used to release the exterior. After the eruption, An Tai Yin (Fetus-Calming Decoction) is administered frequently to protect the fetus. For thirst, Ren Shen Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder) is modified. For diarrhea, Huang Qin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction) combined with Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) is used, with Hezi (Chebulae Fructus) added internally. For Blood deficiency, Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) is used with herbs that support toxin expulsion. For rashes that are grayish-white and erupt slowly, Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Complete Great Tonifying Decoction) is used with Rongui (Cinnamon Twig) removed. In summary, regardless of severity, clearing heat and calming the fetus are the main principles.

If a pregnant woman delivers during the peak of the eruption, Qi and Blood will inevitably be deficient. The primary treatment remains Shi Quan Da Bu Tang to greatly tonify Qi and Blood. For deficiency-cold patterns, a small amount of Shu Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Lateralis Radix) may be added. Mild abdominal pain indicates incomplete lochia discharge; Si Wu Tang is prescribed with Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Guixin (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), and Heidou (Sojae Semen Nigrum), using Shu Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) but removing Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix). This avoids cold-natured herbs that might damage vital energy. However, if necessary, these herbs should be processed with wine. Symptoms such as chills, teeth grinding, abdominal distension without thirst, cold feet, and body heat indicate internal Spleen-Stomach deficiency manifesting as external false heat. Formulas containing Renshen (Ginseng), [missing character], Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata), and Muxiang are indicated. Recovery within one or two doses is auspicious; otherwise, the prognosis is ominous. Obese pregnant women have Qi circulating superficially while being deficient internally; thus, Renshen dosage may be increased, while Huangqi (Astragali Radix) should be decreased. More Keduo Suansha (Cardamomi Fructus cum Calice) should be added. Dried fruits detached from the stem should be strictly avoided. When the rash is about to crust over, sudden diarrhea, thirst, scanty urine, yet plump, robust, and red rashes indicate internal heat. Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is prescribed with Huangqin and Shaoyao added. If this progresses to incontinence, poor appetite, abdominal distension, cold feet, grayish-white rashes, and a fine, weak pulse, it constitutes the "Five Deficiencies" syndrome, which is fatal.

For women who develop eruptions immediately postpartum or around half a month after delivery, there is no fetal burden, only Qi and Blood deficiency. Treatment focuses on greatly tonifying Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi. If many eruptions appear, add Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) and Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus). If bowel movements are normal, use Rouguo (Myristicae Semen) and Paojiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparata); other treatments follow standard protocols. If a pregnant woman miscarries during the early eruption stage, although Qi and Blood are severely depleted, the heat-toxin is also expelled along with the fetus. Since the rash has not yet progressed to swelling and suppuration, external consumption of Qi and Blood is limited. With major tonifying and supporting therapies, survival is often possible. If miscarriage occurs during the crusting stage, the toxin has already exited the surface and dissipated; usually, there are no complications, though extreme deficiency requires doubled tonification to prevent Yuan Qi collapse. If miscarriage occurs during the swelling and suppuration stage, Qi and Blood are exhausted, resulting in both internal and external deficiency. Unable to expel toxins outward, the toxins attack inward, making recovery unlikely.

Shen Su Yin: Renshen (Ginseng), Zisu (Perillae Folium), Gange (Puerariae Radix), Qianhu (Peucedani Radix), Zhi Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum), Fuling (Poria), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) in equal parts; Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, wheat-bran fried), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) in half portions.

Huang Qin Tang: Treats heat-type dysentery. Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Zhigancao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) in equal parts; Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) 5-7 pieces. Decoct in water and take orally.