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Intestinal polyps (a type of abdominal mass) in women may resemble pregnancy. This condition arises when cold pathogenic factors invade the exterior of the intestines and contend with Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), causing Qi circulation to stagnate. Consequently, the pathogen becomes fixed, forming a mass that adheres internally, generating malignant Qi and leading to the growth of flesh. Initially, the mass is as small as a chicken egg, gradually enlarging until it resembles pregnancy. It feels firm upon palpation but can be moved upon pushing. Menstruation continues to occur at regular intervals. This indicates Qi stagnation in the large intestine; it is a disease of Qi rather than Blood, hence menstruation remains unimpeded. Treatment should employ formulas that dissipate Qi stagnation.

Accumulation of Blood (stasis) resembling pregnancy often results from chronic depression or anger, leading to amenorrhea and gradual abdominal enlargement. Initially mistaken for pregnancy, various symptoms emerge when delivery does not occur past the expected time. This represents blood stasis obstructing the Zi Men (cervical os); it is a disease of Blood and should be treated with blood-breaking purgatives.

In cases where pregnant women develop smallpox, heat pathogens can disturb the Fetus. If the Fetus miscarries, Qi and Blood will decline, preventing the rash from erupting and filling with pus. Therefore, the primary treatment principle throughout is to calm the Fetus. Externally, soft cloth should be used to tightly support the abdomen. One must strictly avoid hot and drying herbs such as Ding Xiang (Caryophylli Flos, Clove) and Gui Xin (Cinnamomi Ramulus, Cinnamon Twig), as well as toxic foods like niu shi (likely referring to specific toxic insects or substances). Herbs suitable for smallpox, such as Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix, Scutellaria Root), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, Atractylodes Rhizome), Ai Ye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium, Mugwort Leaf), and Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus, Amomum Fruit), should be selected and administered. During the initial fever stage, Shen Su Yin (Ginseng and Perilla Decoction) is used to induce sweating and release the exterior. After the eruption, An Tai Yin (Fetus-Calming Decoction) should be taken frequently to protect the Fetus. For thirst, Ren Shen Bai Zhu San (Ginseng and Atractylodes Powder) is modified. For diarrhea, Huang Qin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction) combined with Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) is used, with He Zi (Terminalia Chebulae Fructus, Chebulic Myrobalan) added internally. For Blood deficiency, Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) is used with herbs that support the expulsion of toxins. If the rash is grayish-white and erupts slowly, Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Comprehensive Great Tonic Decoction) is used without Gui Xin (Cinnamon Twig). In summary, regardless of severity, the main strategy is to clear heat and calm the pregnancy.

In another scenario, if a pregnant woman develops smallpox and goes into labor during the peak of the eruption, both Qi and Blood will inevitably become deficient. The primary treatment should be Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Comprehensive Great Tonic Decoction) to greatly tonify Qi and Blood. If there are signs of deficiency-cold, a small amount of Shu Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Lateralis Radix, Prepared Child Root of Aconite) is added. If there is mild abdominal pain, this indicates that lochia has not yet cleared. Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) is prescribed with Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, Dried Ginger), Gui Xin (Cinnamon Twig), Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix, Costus Root), and Hei Dou (Sojae Semen Nigrum, Black Soybean), using Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Prepared Rehmannia Root) instead of Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix, Peony Root). This is done to avoid cold-natured herbs damaging the vital Qi; however, if necessary, these herbs should be processed with wine. If chills, teeth grinding, abdominal distension, lack of thirst, cold feet, and body heat occur, this indicates internal deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach with external false heat. Herbs such as Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix, Ginseng Root), [missing character], Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Dong Quai Root), Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata, Prepared Aconite Root), and Mu Xiang (Costus Root) are appropriate. Recovery within one to two doses is auspicious; otherwise, it is ominous.

For obese pregnant women, Qi floats on the surface while the interior is deficient. Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) dosage can be higher, while Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, Astragalus Root) should be lower. More Su Sha (Amomi Fructus Rotundus, Round Amomum Fruit) with the shell should be added. Avoid fruits detached from their stems. When the smallpox is about to crust over, sudden diarrhea, thirst with drinking, and scanty urine may occur. If the pustules are plump, robust, and red, this indicates internal heat. Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is used, with Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root) and Shao Yao (Peony Root) added. If sliding diarrhea persists, food intake decreases, abdominal distension occurs, feet are cold, the rash is grayish-white, and the pulse is fine and forceless, this constitutes the "Five Deficiencies" syndrome, which is fatal.

For women who develop smallpox shortly after childbirth or around half a month postpartum, there is no fetal burden, only Qi and Blood deficiency. Treatment should focus on greatly tonifying Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi. If there are many pustules, add Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus, Forsythia Fruit) and Zhan Zi (likely referring to a specific seed/herb, possibly Phaleriae Semen or similar). If bowel movements are normal/loose, use Rou Guo (Myristicae Semen, Nutmeg) and Pao Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Fried Ginger). Other conditions are treated according to standard protocols without excessive doubt to avoid further errors.

If the Fetus miscarries during the initial eruption phase of smallpox in a pregnant woman, although Qi and Blood are severely deficient, the heat-toxin is also released due to the miscarriage. Since the rash has not yet undergone swelling and pus-filling stages, the Qi and Blood have not been externally exhausted. If the smallpox is not severe or adverse, comprehensive tonic and supporting treatments often result in survival. If the Fetus miscarries during the crusting phase, the toxin has already emerged and dissipated externally, so there is usually no danger, but extreme deficiency makes Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) prone to collapse, requiring doubled emphasis on tonification. If the Fetus miscarries precisely during the swelling and pus-filling phase, Qi and Blood are depleted, resulting in both internal and external deficiency. Unable to expel the toxin outward, the toxin will attack inward due to the deficiency, and most cases are incurable.

Huang Qin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction): Treats heat-dysentery.
Ingredients: Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Zhi Cao (Prepared Licorice Root), Shao Yao (Peony Root) (equal parts); Da Zao (Jujube Fruit) (5-7 pieces).
Administration: Decoct in water and take orally.

Shen Su Yin (see Asthma and Urgency section in this volume). An Tai Yin (Fetus-Calming Decoction), Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) (both see Fetus-Calming section in this volume). Ren Shen Bai Zhu San (see Diarrhea section in this volume). Si Jun Zi Tang (see Upward Pressure of Fetus section in this volume). Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (see Fetal Malnutrition section in this volume). Wu Ling San (see Diarrhea section in this volume, attached under Si Ling San).