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The *Ping Ren Qi Xiang Lun* (Treatise on the Pulse Manifestations of Healthy Persons) states: When the pulse of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian (Heart Channel) moves vigorously in women, it indicates pregnancy. The *Yin Yang Bie Lun* (Treatise on the Distinction of Yin and Yang) states: When the Yin pulse (typically referring to the Chi/Renal position) beats strongly and is distinct from the Yang pulse, it is called having a child. The *Fu Zhong Lun* (Treatise on the Abdomen) asks: How do we know that a pregnant woman is about to give birth? It answers: The body has symptoms, but the pulse shows no signs of pathogenic factors. The *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) states: If the pulse at the Chi (Cun-Kuan-Chi three positions, specifically Chi) position remains unceasing upon pressure, this is the method for identifying pregnancy. Hua Tuoboren (Slip Bo Ren) stated: When the pulses at the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) are equal in floating and sinking depth, with no other illness present, yet menstruation has ceased, it is pregnancy.

Generally, when a woman is pregnant, blood gathers and Qi accumulates, making the Bao Gong (Uterus) internally full; therefore, the pulse must be slippery and rapid, double the normal rate, which is natural. However, in cases of conception in middle age or in women with deficient Qi and Blood, the pulse may appear fine and small without being rapid. Yet, within this weakness, there must inevitably be a faint, sliding sensation. This is precisely what is meant by "Yin beating distinctly from Yang," which constitutes the identifiable pulse of pregnancy. Furthermore, the pulse of pregnancy is rapid, just as the pulse of consumptive disease (Lao Sun) is also rapid, making them quite similar. However, the rapidity of a consumptive pulse often accompanies wiry and choppy qualities, whereas the rapidity of a pregnancy pulse must accompany harmonious and slippery qualities. One must distinguish between the presence of pathogenic Qi and Stomach Qi (digestive vitality) in these subtle details, and further verify with clinical manifestations, where the differences will become clearly visible.

Regarding the method for distinguishing fetal gender, from ancient times to the present, all have used the concept of Yin and Yang as the guiding principle. However, statements are often contradictory and ambiguous. I now determine this based on the images of Kan (Water) and Li (Fire) trigrams, hoping to grasp the essence. Kan is the trigram of Heavenly One; its center is solid, symbolizing Yang residing inside. Li is the trigram of Earthly Two; its center is hollow, symbolizing Yin residing inside. Obtaining the image of Kan indicates a male fetus, while obtaining the image of Li indicates a female fetus. Therefore, the pulse for a male fetus is often deep and solid (Chen Shi), reflecting the image of internal fullness; the pulse for a female fetus is often floating and empty (Fu Xu), reflecting the image of internal hollowness. Regardless of a person's age or strength, or the size of the pulse position, observing the image through the image yields results as responsive as an echo. This is particularly accurate at the two Chi positions, making it a swift method.

The *Mai Jue* (Pulse Rhymes) states: The pulse of a woman in labor changes to "Li Jing" (Departing from the Standard), appearing deep, fine, and slippery. If pain begins at midnight, delivery should occur shortly; by noon the next day, birth is certain. The *Zhi Yi* (Questions and Doubts) asserts that the "Li Jing" pulse refers to intermittent pulses (Xie Zhi). In this context, such intermittency is not a disease.