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When a woman is pregnant, the uterus (uterus) is filled with amniotic fluid, and the fetus floats within it. The fetal umbilical cord connects to the mother's left kidney (in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidney governs reproduction and connects to the Chong and Ren vessels), just as a fruit stem attaches to a branch, relying on the mother's Yuan Qi (Original Qi) for growth, while the exterior of the uterus is nourished by blood. If the mother experiences emotional disturbances such as worry, grief, anger, or depression that disrupt Qi and Blood, or consumes spicy, hot, strong alcohol, or rich flavors—especially fresh pork, which is particularly contraindicated (as it exacerbates various hemorrhagic conditions)—it can lead to pathology. The *Neijing* states: "Physical overexertion leads to Yang hyperactivity." Pathology may also result from excessive labor or physical trauma like falls and blows that damage the Taiyuan (fetal root) and injure the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). Initially, there may be slight vaginal bleeding; later, even minor movement causes continuous flow. In some cases, by the eighth or ninth month, heavy bleeding occurs, making the pregnancy appear non-existent visually. If treated with major tonifying herbs such as Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and managed properly, safe delivery and health for both mother and child are still possible. Conversely, failure to use medication or dietary supplementation can lead to fetal desiccation, difficult labor, and harm to both mother and child. Some women experience slight monthly bleeding during pregnancy, termed "Ji Yue" (Recorded Month Bleeding). Young women who continue to menstruate during pregnancy are said to have "Sheng Tai" (Abundant Fetus). For those delivering after term, at eighteen, nineteen, twenty-three, or twenty-four months, treatment should focus solely on greatly tonifying Qi and Blood.

Main Formula: Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, stir-fried with wine), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Sharen (Amomi Fructus), Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma, processed with child's urine), Aiye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium) in equal parts, plus a pinch of Nuomian (Glutinous Rice). Decoct in water and take orally.

If bleeding does not stop, add Huyang (Polygoni Multiflori Caulis), Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica), and Diyü (Sanguisorbae Radix), all stir-fried until charred.

In cases where the fetus cries in the womb during the eighth or ninth month, it is often because the mother leaned backward to reach high objects, causing the fetal mouth to hold the umbilical cord loosely. Having the mother bend forward allows the fetus to re-grasp the cord, bringing relief. Alternatively, decoct Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) soup for ingestion. The cause of fetal restlessness, absent external trauma, lies in "Deficiency" (Xu) and "Heat" (Re). Deficiency refers to Qi and Blood insufficiency; Heat refers not to Fire from the Five Emotions, but to Fire from lustful desires, which also disturbs the fetus. Treatment should include herbs that subdue Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo).

The concept of "Ghost Fetus" in women does not imply conception through actual supernatural intercourse. It manifests from the woman's own mental state. What one thinks during the day appears in dreams at night, similar to nocturnal emissions in men. This arises from abundant female blood combined with sexual desire, or in deficient individuals with lingering desires, causing Ministerial Fire to rise constantly. Consequently, seminal fluids and blood flow into the uterus, coagulating into masses. This results in abdominal distension resembling pregnancy. Due to the interaction of Spirit (Shen), Qi, and Blood, the mass may move, leading laypeople to call it "Ghost Fetus." An ancient physician treated a young woman who, upon entering a temple at dusk, saw a statue of a deity in yellow robes, felt her heart flutter, and dreamed of intercourse with the deity, resulting in an abdomen enlarged as if pregnant. Upon learning the cause, the physician administered blood-breaking and abortifacient herbs. She expelled approximately two sheng (a traditional unit of volume) of matter resembling tadpoles and fish eyes, and recovered. Alas! It was not the deity moving the woman, but the woman being moved by the deity. Wise individuals understand this.