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During the third to fifth month of pregnancy, if palpation reveals that the upper part is smaller and the lower part is larger, with a shape resembling a winnowing basket, it indicates a female fetus. This is because the female fetus faces the mother's abdomen, with its feet and knees pressing against the maternal abdominal wall. If the abdomen is central, round, and high, with a shape resembling a cauldron, it indicates a male fetus. This is because the male fetus faces the mother's back, with its spine pressing against the maternal abdominal wall. Furthermore, if there is a nodule in the pregnant woman's left breast, it indicates a male fetus; if in the right breast, it indicates a female fetus. Additionally, fetal movement for males begins at three months due to the early activation of Yang Qi (vital energy associated with activity and heat); for females, it begins at five months due to the delayed activation of Yin Qi (vital energy associated with structure and coolness). Thus, when fetal Qi concentrates on Yang, a male is born; when it concentrates on Yin, a female is born.

Instruct the pregnant woman to walk forward while her husband calls out to her suddenly from behind. If she turns her head to the left, it is a male fetus; if to the right, it is a female fetus. This is likely because the male fetus is located on the left, making the left side heavier; thus, when turning her head, she instinctively protects the heavier side by leaning left. If the fetus is on the right, the right side is heavier, so she leans right to protect it. By analogy, this applies to pulse diagnosis as well. When the fetus is on the left, Blood and Qi (vital substances) nurture the fetus and become abundant on the left, so the pulse also reflects strength on the left. A rapid examination showing a larger pulse on the left indicates a male fetus. When the fetus is on the right, Blood and Qi become abundant on the right, so the pulse reflects strength on the right. A rapid examination showing a larger pulse on the right indicates a female fetus. This follows the natural principle of Yin and Yang.

The *I Ching* (Book of Changes) states: "The Way of Qian creates men, the Way of Kun creates women," which is a fixed principle. Men who maintain a clear mind and few desires, nurturing their robust constitution, will conceive and give birth to sons. By accumulating virtue to rectify the heart and abstaining from killing, one receives karmic retribution in the unseen realm; pregnancy will surely result in a son who is handsome and long-lived. Thus, Heaven generates all things according to their nature and endows them accordingly. This is the method for emulating the generation of male offspring. Regarding the timing of conception, some claim that conception within one or two days after menstruation ends results in a male, while conception on days three to five results in a female. Although this seems plausible, it is ultimately unreliable. Even though contemporary physicians record methods to transform a female fetus into a male, their efficacy varies, and they cannot be deeply trusted. However, since the materials are easy to obtain and the methods are external, they do no harm and may offer benefits. Therefore, several methods are recorded below. Supplementary Method 1: When a woman first suspects pregnancy, place an axe under her bed with the blade facing down, without letting her know. If skeptical, wait until hens are brooding eggs, then hang the axe under the nest; the entire clutch will hatch as roosters. Supplementary Method 2: After conception, tie a bowstring around the woman's waist and remove it after one hundred days. Supplementary Method 3: Before the third month of pregnancy, secretly place three long tail feathers from a rooster under the woman's bed without her knowledge. Supplementary Method 4: Upon confirming pregnancy, take three taels of realgar (Xionghuang), store it in a crimson pouch, and wear it on the woman's left waist to ensure a male birth; wearing Orpiment (Yinhuang) ensures a female birth.