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Discussion states: People all know that the fetus takes shape in the womb, and birth and nurturing have fixed terms, conventionally agreed upon as ten months of full-term gestation. However, exploring the ultimate truth, it is actually concluded at two hundred and seventy days as a fixed standard. Has this varied from ancient times to the present?

Yet, calculating by lunar months roughly, nine nines (nine months) is considered superior, eight eights (eight months) is next, and seven sevens (seven months) is again next. Human endowment derives from the Qi of Heaven and Earth, combining with the Way of the Three Powers (Heaven, Earth, Man), each obtaining "nine". Three multiplied by nine equals twenty-seven, representing two hundred and seventy days as the standard number. At this time, Blood and Qi are abundant, Spirit is solid and peaceful; the person is complete, with perception and intelligence fully developed.

Those born at "eight eights" correspond to the Three Powers each obtaining "eight"; three multiplied by eight equals twenty-four, representing two hundred and forty days. Born at this time, the protection of Blood and Qi is insufficient, and Spirit is deficient. Such individuals are clumsy, erroneous, vulgar, dull, prone to forgetting their intellect and will.

Those born at "seven sevens" correspond to the Three Powers each obtaining "seven"; three multiplied by seven equals twenty-one, representing two hundred and ten days. The fetal Qi received is insufficient at this time; such individuals are mad, foolish, lacking ambition, vicious, wild, and fierce like wolves.

Among these, there may be cases significantly exceeding or falling short of the norm, all corresponding generally to the standard numbers. Significantly exceeding means an excess of protective Blood and Qi; falling short means inadequate nourishment by Blood and Qi. Those who attain the Mean become pure, where Yin and Yang find their proper place, hardness and softness complement each other, Blood and Qi harmonize, and all vessels follow smoothly. Thus, they are born with enhanced mental acuity, complete Spirit, solid Zang-Fu organs, and robust physical form. A physician can discern this simply by observing the infant's fontanelle.

For infants under one year old, if the fontanelle is firm and closed, the eyes are dark and bright, the Spirit is clear, the mouth shape is square, the back is thick, the bones are coarse, the buttocks are full, the umbilicus is deep, the abdomen is soft, the penis is small, the testicles are large, the teeth are fine, the hair is lustrous, the voice is resonant, and sleep is steady. This indicates sufficient reception of Qi, balanced endowment, and even excellence.

Between the ages of one and three, if the fontanelle remains large, the skull feels hollow, the forehead sinks like a pit, the mouth corners are wide, the Spirit is exposed, the chest is high, the bones are thin, the buttocks are shrunken, the umbilicus protrudes, the hair is yellowish, the teeth are sparse, the testicles are small, the penis is large, breathing is rapid, and the voice is stiff. These result from insufficient reception of Qi and weakness, making them prone to fright palpitations and difficult to develop intelligence.

Parents cherish their children, and good physicians worry accordingly. Regardless of whether the child is born to rich, noble, poor, or humble parents, the virtuous should inform others of this. If dealing with ignorant people, one might prefer not to use medicine; if medical intervention fails slightly, they might falsely accuse the doctor of killing the child.

Generally, newborns lacking Spirit often stem from discord between husband and wife, lack of emotional preparation, mixed feelings of joy and fear, leading to disordered and scattered Spirit. If later provided with a suitable environment, joy intensifies emotion, movement stimulates passion, fear engenders contemplation, and sexual union reaches extreme depth, aligning with intent and valuing beauty. Sons will likely be gentle, daughters virtuous. Thus, the utmost purity and harmony can be understood.

Therefore, physicians must not apply medications uniformly. They should weigh severity, analogize and deduce carefully, assess feasibility, avoid reckless actions, prevent futile treatments, and thus avoid causing severe harm. Examining gains and losses, striving for perfection, and responding appropriately to the situation are key.