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The childbirth of women is a natural process of creation and a common occurrence in ancient and modern times. However, those approaching delivery often harbor anxiety and doubt, which stems from a lack of understanding of this principle.

Creation itself does not intend for difficult labor; it is that people generally fail to understand proper regulation and care, leading to dystocia. Creation itself does not intend for malpresentation (abnormal fetal position); it is that people panic and force the birth prematurely during labor, leading to malpresentation. Both dystocia and malpresentation involve two lives. If one does not study these matters beforehand, mistakes will inevitably occur at the time of delivery. While midwives are indispensable, one should not rely on them exclusively or trust them blindly. This is because they lack formal textual transmission and master-apprentice instruction, knowing nothing of the underlying principles. They often cling to their own views and act recklessly, endangering lives.

Husbands should discuss these matters at home regularly so that their wives become familiar with them. During pregnancy, they should know how to regulate their health; during labor, they should have clear judgment, avoiding fear and premature pushing, thereby naturally avoiding the harms of dystocia and malpresentation.

Regarding the period after conception, even if one cannot follow the ancient practices of prenatal education (Taijiao), one must be aware and avoid all contraindications.

Regarding the time of labor, when the fetus reaches ten months, its form is complete and its Qi is robust. Its hands and feet will move. When the fetus moves, the mother experiences abdominal pain. When the pain becomes urgent, the amniotic sac ruptures, and the fetus is born naturally, followed by the placenta.

If one cannot endure and wait for the right time, and considers labor difficult simply because there has been no delivery after half a day or a day of abdominal pain, one would be gravely mistaken. One must realize that as long as the fetus has not exited the amniotic sac, using drugs or talismans to hasten delivery will likely cause errors. Does one not see that all living things generated by Heaven and Earth, whether viviparous or oviparous, grow and nourish themselves? Who uses drugs or talismans for this? Therefore, during labor, one must absolutely avoid panic. Even if delivery takes three to five days longer, it is not a problem. One must endure the pain with a calm mind, and natural delivery will occur. In the rare event of intrauterine fetal demise, there is no need for panic; there are effective remedies that can dissolve the dead fetus into fluid, allowing it to pass away easily.

First cause: Indolence. Pregnancy relies on blood to nourish the fetus and Qi to protect it. It is beneficial to engage in mild physical activity to ensure the free circulation of Qi and Blood, keeping the uterus active. Prolonged sitting or lying down causes Qi stagnation and Blood stasis, making the fetus sluggish and inactive, thus leading to dystocia. It is commonly observed that laboring women in the fields who suddenly experience abdominal pain while traveling give birth immediately, illustrating this point.

Second cause: Excessive Nourishment. The fatness or thinness of the fetus correlates with the mother's Qi. What the mother craves and consumes nourishes the fetus. Indulging in rich and heavy flavors leads to an overly large fetus, causing dystocia. This is evidenced by the fact that families consuming coarse, simple diets typically experience easier deliveries.

Third cause: Sexual Intercourse. In ancient times, pregnant women lived in separate quarters and slept apart from their husbands, as sexual activity was strictly prohibited during pregnancy. The fetus in the womb relies entirely on Qi and Blood for nourishment. Stillness allows the Shen (Spirit) to reside within and protect the fetus. If desire arises, internal Heat disturbs the body, causing Qi and Blood to boil. If this occurs before the third month, it may lead to threatened miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. If it occurs after the third month, it may result in a thickened amniotic sac causing dystocia, or leakage of the fetal Yuan Qi, resulting in children who are fat and white but short-lived. Why not observe other animals? Humans and animals are both born from Essence and Blood. Yet, human births are not always smooth, nor do all infants survive, whereas cattle, horses, dogs, and pigs are born easily, without loss, and rarely suffer miscarriage or dystocia. Why? Because once cattle, horses, dogs, and pigs conceive, males and females cease mating. Humans, however, do not abstain after conception, let alone those who indulge without restraint.

Fourth cause: Worry and Doubt. Although people today are eager to conceive, their plans for preserving the pregnancy are often negligent. They may consult fortune-tellers or shamans who speak falsely of disasters, or they may hear of birth complications and live in constant fear. This mental tension and timidity can lead to dystocia.

Fifth cause: Weakness and Timidity. Young women giving birth for the first time may have weak Shen and Qi, and their cervical os may not yet be fully dilated. Their backs may be curved and unable to straighten, and they may toss and turn, preventing the fetus from descending. Similarly, middle-aged women who have had many births may suffer from Qi deficiency and Blood insufficiency, making labor difficult.

Sixth cause: Panic. Some foolish midwives fail to distinguish between true labor and false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions). Upon seeing abdominal pain, they urgently instruct the woman to push. Lacking guidance of her own, the woman complies, leading to improper positioning and endangering both mother and child.

Seventh cause: Deficiency. During labor, if the fetus is not yet ready to descend but the mother pushes too early, and then exhausts her strength before the fetus is ready to exit, the fetus may stall. This results in a dry and tight vaginal canal. In such cases, only by strongly tonifying Qi and Blood can the situation be assisted.