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During pregnancy, the fetus resides in the abdomen like a hidden treasure. Medications must be avoided or used with extreme caution to prevent damage to the fetus. Physicians must exercise care and prudence when prescribing, avoiding rashness or negligence. My teacher, Mr. Cheng Zhongling (Cheng Yanqin), along with Mr. Ye Qiqin, compiled a mnemonic verse to facilitate memorization for future generations. I have made slight additions to it. Furthermore, substances such as Realgar (Xin Pi), Mercury (Shui Yin), Mustard Beetle (Ban Mao), Leech (Shui Zhi), Snake Slough (She Tui), and Centipede (Wu Gong) are all toxic materials. Although these are not commonly used daily, one should remain vigilant and avoid them unless absolutely necessary due to specific pathological conditions.

The verse states:
Aconite Root (Wu Tou), Prepared Aconite Child (Fu Zi), and Heavenly Hero (Tian Xiong);
Cochlearia Rhizome (Niu Huang - *Note: Contextually likely refers to Bear Bile or similar potent substance, but literal translation of Niu Huang is Gallbladder Calculus Bovis*), Croton Seed (Ba Dou), and Peach Kernel (Tao Ren);
Mirabilite (Mang Xiao), Rhubarb (Da Huang), Peony Root (Mu Dan Pi), and Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi);
Achyranthes Root (Niu Xi), Veratrum Rhizome (Li Lu), and White Imperata Rhizome (Bai Mao Gen);
Sophora Fruit (Huai Jiao), Safflower (Hong Hua), and Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit (Zao Jiao);
Bamboo Shavings (San Leng), Curcuma Rhizome (E Zhu), and Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren);
Dried Lacquer (Gan Qi), Ginger Root (Jiang Ru - *likely typo for Jiang or similar*), and Agrostemma Seed (Qu Mai Sui);
Pinellia Tuber (Ban Xia), Arisaema Rhizome (Nan Xing), and Thladiantha Root (Tong Cao) used together;
Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), Garlic Bulb (Da Suan), and Horse Bean (Ma Dao Dou);
Cyperus Rhizome (Yan Hu Suo), Hedyotis Herb (Chang Shan), and Moschus (She Xiang) must not be heard of;
Dark Morning Glory Seed (Hei Chou), Areca Nut (Bing Lang), and Sapwood of Paulownia (Su Mu).
These are drugs that harm the fetus; avoid their ominous effects.

In certain cases, such as stabilizing the fetus and stopping vomiting, Pinellia Tuber (Ban Xia) may be indispensable. If used, it must be soaked and washed three times with boiling water to remove its drying and irritating properties, and discontinued once vomiting ceases. In cases of heat disease with constipation, or Taiyang disease transmitting into the Fu organs requiring Rhubarb (Da Huang), or in cases of Cold damaging the Yin requiring Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) and Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), the *Neijing* states: "If there is pathology, the pathology bears the brunt; there will be no injury [to the healthy qi]." Treatment should cease when the pathogenic factor has been reduced by more than half. This follows the principle that "when there is disease, the disease absorbs the drug's action," which is a flexible approach. However, if these drugs must be used out of necessity, they should not be overdosed. Moreover, medications that protect the fetus should always be included. My general view is: for antenatal diseases, the priority is protecting the fetus; for postnatal diseases, the priority is warming and tonifying. This is the most stable and appropriate principle.

It is said that for postnatal diseases, warming and tonifying is the most stable principle. Let us ask: Zhang Zhongjing stated that there are three common postpartum diseases: one is Spasm (Jing), two is Depression and Vertigo (Yu Mao), and three is Difficulty in Defecation (Da Bian Nan). These three syndromes result from Blood deficiency, Hyperactive Fire, and insufficiency of Body Fluids. Can they truly be treated with warming and tonifying methods? I have often remarked that imprudent statements cause harm to the people, and this type of reasoning is an example.
(MXu Lingtai's Commentary)