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Whenever there is a woman, there is the capacity for childbirth; this is the natural principle of creation and a common occurrence throughout ancient and modern times. However, those approaching labor often harbor worry and doubt, all due to a failure to understand this principle.

Creation does not intend for childbirth to be difficult; it is merely that people do not know how to regulate their lifestyle and care for themselves, thus leading to difficult labor. Creation does not intend for abnormal presentation or chaotic delivery; it is merely that people panic and rush, forcing the process, thus leading to abnormal delivery. Both difficult and abnormal deliveries concern two lives. If one does not study these matters in daily life, mistakes will inevitably occur at the time of labor.

While midwives (stable women) are indispensable, one should not rely on them exclusively or listen to them blindly. This is because they lack formal textual transmission and master instruction, knowing nothing of the underlying principles. They often adhere to their own views and act recklessly, endangering lives.

Husbands should discuss these matters at home beforehand so that their wives become familiar with them. When pregnant, women should know how to regulate their health; when laboring, they should have their own judgment, remain unafraid, and not exert force prematurely. In this way, the harm of difficult or abnormal delivery will naturally be avoided.

Regarding the period after conception, even if one cannot practice the ancient teachings of prenatal education, one must still be aware of necessary taboos. Regarding the time of labor, by the tenth month, the fetus's form is complete and qi is strong; its hands and feet will move. When the fetus moves, the mother necessarily experiences abdominal pain. When the pain becomes urgent, the amniotic sac (bao yi) will rupture, and the child will emerge naturally from the sac. If one does not endure patiently and follow the natural timing, seeing the mother in pain for half a day or a day without delivering might lead one to assume difficulty. However, one must realize that until the sac ruptures and the child exits, using drugs or talismans to induce rapid birth will likely cause errors. Does one not know that heaven and earth nurture all beings—whether viviparous, oviparous, or creeping creatures—through natural growth? Where is the use of drugs or talismans? Therefore, during labor, one must absolutely avoid panic. Even if labor lasts three to five days, it is no matter. One must endure the pain, keep calm, and allow nature to take its course in delivering the baby.

After conception, a piece of cloth, six or seven cun wide, with length adjusted to the person's build, should be wrapped around the waist about twice. It should be bound horizontally until the time of labor, when it is removed. If false labor pains occur, it should still not be removed. This has two benefits: while the fetus is not yet fully formed, this binding strengthens the lower back and spine, preventing miscarriage from minor jolts; furthermore, it keeps the abdomen somewhat constricted. When finally removed, the abdomen suddenly expands, making it easier for the fetus to turn.

During pregnancy, sleep positions should alternate between left and right sides; one should not always sleep on one side. This ensures the fetus can move freely on both sides and becomes accustomed to moving its limbs, making it easier for the baby to exit through the center during delivery.

Diet during pregnancy should be bland, avoiding rich, greasy, heavy, turbid, pungent, or hot foods. Sweet and neutral flavors are preferred. Green vegetables and plain rice can also nourish the body. For poor families, simplicity without deficiency is acceptable. However, for wealthy families accustomed to rich and sweet foods, enforcing strict frugality may be unbearable. A moderate approach is recommended, as listed below:

Foods suitable for consumption: tripe, lungs, chicken, duck, dried fish (xiang), sea cucumber, tofu skin (fupi), sesame oil, Chinese cabbage, spinach, bamboo shoots, lotus seeds, cooked lotus root, yam, and euryale seed (qianshi). These ingredients must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared with clear broth, skimming off floating oil for best results. (All should be boiled in water; frying with oil is prohibited.) This advice is primarily for those accustomed to rich diets. For those used to coarse food, rich and sweet flavors are actually beneficial for moistening and nourishing, so why insist on blandness? However, after the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, tofu skin and sesame oil are excellent and can be consumed daily. Sesame oil detoxifies, and tofu skin facilitates smooth delivery; both are clearing and tonifying, suitable for both rich and poor, and are considered superior items. Consuming one or two hundred sheets may facilitate an easy delivery of the fetal head. Mixing sesame oil with food is even better; it should not be cooked thoroughly.

Foods to avoid: pepper, ginger, fried foods, game meat, pig liver, blood products, dog meat, crab, and black carp.