Library

Zhang Shiwan stated: The theory of prenatal education (Taijiao) is largely unknown to the world. If one can follow and practice it during pregnancy, not only will there be no fear of difficult labor, but the child will also rarely suffer from fetal toxins or premature death. This is indeed a key principle for ensuring abundant offspring. I shall briefly outline the general principles. When a woman’s menstruation has ceased for more than forty days (indicating early pregnancy), she must strictly abstain from sexual intercourse, be cautious in her daily routine, consume bland food with mild flavors, nurture her temperament, and remain constantly mindful, handling herself as carefully as if holding a precious jade. She must lift her feet slowly, avoid looking up while walking or standing, avoid sitting in a way that compresses the anterior yin area, avoid sleeping on one side for long periods, avoid raising hands to climb high or fetch objects, avoid raising hands high while bathing or combing hair, avoid viewing strange or bizarre sights, avoid staying alone in dark rooms, avoid climbing heights, avoid approaching deep water, avoid moving heavy objects, and avoid tripping or falling. She should beware of excessive sitting or lying down, which causes stagnation of Qi and blood. Although she should not engage in heavy labor or carry heavy loads, she must frequently perform light exercises of the four limbs so that the meridians flow smoothly, fetal respiration moves easily, and the waist and abdomen gradually thicken. Diet should not be too full; tea and soup should be consumed sparingly. Foods that are extremely hot or cold are generally unsuitable. All toxic substances such as dog meat, mutton, crab, and soft-shelled turtle must be strictly prohibited. Even commonly used items like Sichuan pepper and ginger should be tasted only in small amounts. Pork, strong wine, and damp wheat noodles, although perhaps not entirely abstained from, must not be eaten indiscriminately. If the essence is overly concentrated into the fetus, causing it to grow excessively large, it may lead to dystocia at delivery. Meanwhile, the fetus within the womb, having inherited a fat and fragile constitution, will likely be weak and frail in infancy. This is akin to plants growing in fertile soil being transplanted to barren land; will their branches and leaves not wither? By the third month, the abdomen should be tightly wrapped. As fetal Qi grows, the binding may be slightly loosened, but it must never be completely released due to shortness of breath or chest distension. In summer, bathing must avoid hot water. In winter, sleep should not be near charcoal stoves. The most severe violation is particularly the lack of restraint in sexual intercourse, where lustful fire is transferred entirely to the son, brewing toxins that manifest as smallpox, rashes, scabies, or leprosy. However, this requires the pregnant woman to have a naturally calm disposition; if forced artificially, it will not work. If one forces behavior contrary to her nature, the stagnant fire will burn even fiercer. Although this path is distinct from unrestrained indulgence, the result—heat returning to the fetal respiration—is the same. I have seen cases where individuals eager for offspring separated from their wives upon conception, yet the child still died of smallpox. Is this not clear evidence that forced abstinence intensifies internal fire? Human desires vary; if one cannot transcend ordinary limits, one must consider the mother’s feelings and adapt to her natural nature, ensuring the fetal Qi is peaceful and harmonious. This is what is meant by prenatal education. One must understand that prenatal education involves many aspects. If the mother is frightened during pregnancy, the child is prone to fetal fright. If the mother harbors depression, the child is prone to tubercles and flowing abscesses. If the mother is fearful, the child is prone to epilepsy. If the mother frequently entertains greedy or delusional thoughts, the child will be greedy and stingy. If the mother often harbors resentment, the child will be violent and fierce. If the mother engages in frivolous speech and deceitful actions, the child will be deceptive and hypocritical. Not only after conception must one restrain body and mind, but even after menstruation ends, intercourse must not be unrestrained, lest it harm the fetal Qi. Conception after heavy drunkenness introduces alcohol-dampness into the sperm, leading to infertility in the child. Conception after extreme anger introduces angry fire into the sperm, leading to perverse temperaments in the child. Conception after severe fatigue results in sperm lacking true Qi, leading to frailty in the child. Using hot medicines to aid sexual performance and deliberately retaining semen introduces toxic and harsh qualities into the sperm, leading to unusual diseases in the child. Conception during wind, rain, thunder, or lightning exposes the process to shock energy, leading to abnormal or strange characteristics in the child. Therefore, during the Three Yuan and Five La festivals, strict adherence to prohibitions ensures extraordinary offspring. The weighty duty of continuing the ancestral line cannot be treated as a game.