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The pulse in the period of impending delivery is auspicious if it is slow and slippery (Huan Hua Mai, slow and slippery pulse); however, a solid, large, wiry, and rapid pulse (Shi Da Xian Ji Mai, solid, large, wiry, and rapid pulse) indicates imminent death.

Master Chi stated: After recent childbirth, qi and blood are deficient and depleted. If a slow and slightly weakened pulse is observed, it indicates harmonious spleen and stomach qi, which is auspicious. A solid, large, wiry, and rapid pulse indicates liver wood overcoming spleen earth, where wood is excessive and earth is weak, leading to damage of stomach qi and death. This explanation is also reasonable. I believe that for all diseases, the pulse should correspond to the condition. Blood deficiency leading to a deficient pulse is logical. Now, after recent childbirth, blood has already become deficient. If the pulse is slow and slippery, it is auspicious. Why? A slow pulse indicates that stomach qi remains; a slippery pulse indicates that blood is not severely depleted. Therefore, it is said to be auspicious. If the pulse appears solid, large, wiry, and rapid, then stomach qi is declining, and wind and fire pathogens take advantage of this weakness. This represents a mismatch between syndrome and pulse. Therefore, it is said that "death approaches."

If the pulse is heavy, deep, and small upon palpation, it is auspicious; if suddenly it becomes firm and strong, life cannot be sustained.

Cheng Ziming stated: If a postpartum woman presents with a heavy, deep, minute, and small pulse, this corresponds to the physical deficiency, thus indicating an auspicious pulse. Suddenly presenting with a hard, firm, and solid pulse indicates that the pulse is vigorous while the body is weak, a contradiction where life cannot endure long, leading to death.

A cun-kou (radial artery at the wrist) pulse that is choppy, rapid, and irregular indicates death; a deep, fine pulse that persists when pressed to the bone indicates survival. Carefully examine these signs and remember them clearly; always keep them in mind.

The cun-kou area is the convergence point of the twelve meridians. After recent childbirth, if a choppy, rapid, and irregular pulse is seen, choppy and rapid indicate that blood has declined, and irregularity indicates a loss of rhythm. Thus, death is anticipated. If the pulse is found to be deep and fine, yet still palpable when pressed to the bone, although the blood vessels may seem severed, the primordial qi (Yuan Qi) remains. This aligns with the postpartum condition, hence survival is indicated.

Typhoid fever causing headache extending to all joints, urgent breathing rushing to the heart, urine resembling blood, appearance of red-black macules on the body, and continuous high fever leading to fetal demise.

Pregnancy is a major event, and typhoid fever is a serious disease. Pregnancy complicated by typhoid fever is undoubtedly dangerous. Chao Yuanfang stated: When the human body is deficient and injured by cold pathogens, typhoid fever results. Mild cases present with aversion to cold, low-grade fever, slight cough, and nasal congestion, resolving after several days. Severe cases present with headache, body pain, severe aversion to cold, and persistent high fever, which also damages the fetus. Such is Chao's statement. However, why is the fetus damaged? Fetuses prefer coolness and dislike heat. Therefore, herbs for calming the fetus often use cold and cooling properties, such as Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix, 黄芩) and Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, 薄荷). Typhoid fever is a heat disease. Continuous high fever causes fetal unrest. Fetal unrest leads to upward rushing to the heart causing urgent breathing, and downward flow to the bladder causing urine to appear bloody. Heat toxins attack the Yangming channel, producing red-black macules. Both internal and external systems are damaged by heat toxins, and the fetus will inevitably abort. Those who understand these mechanisms should provide preventive care and treat according to the syndrome. For black macules, bloody urine, panting, and threatened abortion, use Zhizi Ren Tang (Gardeniae Semen Decoction, 栀子仁汤). For high fever and headache, use Zhizi Wuwu Tang (Gardeniae Five-Substance Decoction, 栀子五物汤). For black macules and hematuria, use Shengma Liuwu Tang (Cimicifugae Rhizoma Six-Substance Decoction, 升麻六物汤). For black macules, bloody urine, and threatened abortion, use Zhizi Shengma Tang (Gardeniae Cimicifugae Decoction, 栀子升麻汤). Externally, apply Fulonggan (Dragon's Liver Earth, 伏龙肝 - caulis longanae or furnace hearth soil) and mud from the bottom of a well to the lower umbilicus to perhaps avoid fetal loss.

Unstoppable vomiting and regurgitation, vexation and heat, stiffness of waist and back, severe fetal pain like tearing, abdominal heat for six or seven days, urinary retention, and constipation.

Chao's *Bing Yuan* states: In pregnancy, obstruction of urination and defecation occurs if heat binds in the bladder (causing constipation) or in the small intestine (causing urinary retention). If both intestines are bound by heat, there is vexation, fullness, and obstruction of both urination and defecation. Obstruction of urination and defecation leads to internal heat and rebellious qi in the stomach and intestines, manifesting now as dry retching. It is also stated: The kidneys bind the uterus in women. Severe lower back pain during pregnancy often leads to miscarriage. Jiegu stated: For pregnant women suffering from typhoid fever, one must inquire about urination and defecation. If they are unobstructed, it is known that the fetus will not be lost; treat with Huanglong Tang (Yellow Dragon Decoction, 黄龙汤). Xue Lizhai treated pregnancy complicated by heat disease with headache, vomiting, and vexation using Renshen Zhuru Tang (Ginseng and Bamboo Shavings Decoction, 人参竹茹汤) or Buyi Lugeng Tang (Reed Rhizome Decoction from Supplements, 补遗芦根汤). For six or seven days of constipation and difficult urination/defecation, use Dahuang Yin (Rhubarb Drink, 大黄饮). Also, for epidemic febrile diseases lasting six or seven days with difficulty in urination and defecation, use Xiaore Yin (Heat-Dispersing Drink, 消热饮).