Library

Pregnancy maintenance prioritizes the complete abstinence from sexual intercourse as the primary principle. Secondly, one should also moderate desires. For few desires lead to a clear mind and tranquil fetal qi (vital energy of the fetus). This not only ensures fetal stability but also facilitates easy delivery and nurturing, resulting in fewer illnesses and longevity.

Moderate physical exertion is also beneficial for pregnancy maintenance. Observe rural farm women and servants; they rarely experience miscarriage due to their labor. Labor promotes the circulation of qi and blood and strengthens muscles and bones. The fetus becomes accustomed to this environment within the womb. Consequently, even minor jolts or strains later on will not cause harm. Conversely, excessive comfort and lack of movement lead to fragile muscles and bones and stagnant qi and blood. Even slight jolts can then result in miscarriage. However, this does not imply starting labor only after conception; rather, it emphasizes that daily life should not be overly sedentary. If one is sedentary during daily life and begins working only after becoming pregnant, it may indeed damage the fetus, failing to strengthen muscles and bones. Consider Jing Jiang, who belonged to a wealthy family with a hundred chariots yet continued spinning and weaving in her old age. Ordinary wealthy individuals in their youth and prime should engage diligently in activities; how can they afford leisure and idleness that leads to illness?

Once pregnancy is perceived (e.g., by feeling fetal movement), a piece of cloth, approximately 6-7 cun wide and length adjusted to body size, should be wrapped twice around the waist horizontally until delivery. It should not be removed even during false labor pains (Braxton Hicks contractions). This method has two advantages: first, while the fetus is still developing, the binding provides strength to the lower back, preventing minor jolts from disturbing the fetus; second, the constant sensation of abdominal tightness makes the sudden relief upon unbinding easier for turning and moving. This practice is known in my hometown, and I share it widely.

For those suffering from Zi Zhong Bing (pregnancy edema/swelling), the binding should be gradually loosened; otherwise, it may harm the fetus.

During pregnancy, sleeping positions should alternate between left and right sides, avoiding staying on one side exclusively. This allows the fetus freedom of movement and helps familiarize its limbs, making delivery through the birth canal easier.

Regarding herbal medicines for pregnancy maintenance, various texts have recorded them, so there is no need to reiterate. However, dietary aspects are often overlooked. Here, I briefly discuss diet. Food should be bland rather than rich and heavy; light and clear rather than dense and turbid; sweet and neutral rather than pungent and hot. Green vegetables and white rice can also nourish the body and are readily available even in poor households. Wealthy individuals, accustomed to rich and sweet foods, may find it difficult to adopt frugality. Therefore, a balanced approach is listed below.

Foods Recommended: Pig stomach, pig lung, chicken, duck, crucian carp, dried salted fish (Dan Xiang), sea cucumber, Chinese cabbage, spinach, bamboo shoots, sesame oil, tofu skin (Fu Yi - consume more of these two), lotus seeds, cooked lotus root, yam, Euryale seed (Qian Shi).

All ingredients should be thoroughly cleaned. Use clear broth, skim off floating oil, which is best for consumption. Boiling is preferred; frying is prohibited. Note that this advice is primarily for those accustomed to rich diets (Gao Liang Zhi Ren). Those with rough diets (Li Hui Zhi Fu) actually benefit from richer foods to moisten and nourish them, so blandness is not always suitable. However, in the seventh and eighth months of pregnancy, tofu skin and sesame oil are particularly beneficial and can be consumed daily. Sesame oil detoxifies, and tofu skin aids in lubricating the birth process (Hua Tai). Both are clearing and tonifying, suitable for both rich and poor, and are considered premium choices. Consuming 100-200 sheets of tofu skin may facilitate smooth delivery. Mixing food with sesame oil is also excellent. Do not cook sesame oil at high temperatures.

Foods to Avoid: Pepper, ginger, fried foods, wild game, unusual flavors, pig liver, dog meat, donkey meat, mule meat, horse meat, meat of animals that died naturally, pig blood, crab, soft-shelled turtle, toad, eel. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and indiscriminate use of medications.

Additionally, pregnancy taboos include avoiding viewing scenes of slaughter or violence. Construction work involving breaking ground should also be avoided. Viewing turtles and rabbits is also discouraged.