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This is the uterus. At this time, the fetus has not yet been born. Do not apply Ricini Semen (Bì Mán Zǐ, Castor Bean) to the top of the infant's head (Baihui, GV20), lest it cause mishaps. Quickly reduce the prolapsed uterus into the body, administer tonic medicines (using Qian Bao Sheng Wu You San [Formerly Preserved Life and Safety Unhindered Powder] is best), and wait quietly for the birth of the child, ensuring the safety of both mother and child.

This condition arises because the parturient lacks strength, causing Qi mechanism to stagnate; or due to insufficient Blood leading to dryness and friction; or because the uterus is empty and fails to descend. Immediately take one leaf of Euryales Semen Leaf (Qiàn Shí Yè, also known as Jī Tóu Lián Yè, Lotus Seed Leaf), tear it into two or three pieces, decoct in water, and drink. The placenta will then rupture into two or three pieces and be expelled. Alternatively, use one lotus pod shell, torn into two or three pieces, decocted in water and drunk. Or shred a lotus leaf; the efficacy is identical, extremely miraculous. These items should be stored in advance for emergency use.

Another prescription: Ming Fan (Míng Fán, Alum), 3 fen, ground into powder, taken with boiling water. The placenta will fall immediately.

Another prescription: Use a bamboo pole to poke three times at the central beam of the main hall. The placenta will then be expelled.

Another prescription: Take one rooster, slit open including feathers, remove internal organs, and place it covering the pregnant woman's umbilicus, with the chicken head facing upward. Bind firmly with cloth. The placenta will be expelled; extremely effective.

Another prescription: Two raw eggs, discard yolks, use only whites. Boil with good aged vinegar, then take orally. The placenta will be expelled immediately.

Another prescription: Remove shells from fourteen Ricini Semen (Bì Mán Zǐ, Castor Beans), pound into a paste, and apply to the soles of both feet (Yongquan, KI1). The placenta will be expelled. After the placenta is expelled, wash off the medicine immediately; if left too long, it may cause intestinal prolapse. If intestines have already prolapsed, still apply this medicine to the fontanelle; the intestines will naturally retract. Wash off the medicine without delay.

If the parturient's lips and tongue are both red, there is no danger to mother or child. If lips are blue/cyan and tongue is red, the mother dies but the child lives. If lips are red and tongue is blue/cyan, the mother lives but the child dies. If both lips and tongue are blue/cyan, both mother and child die. Ping Wei San (Ping Wei San, Peaceful Stomach Powder) is most effective.

Ping Wei San: Specifically treats retained dead fetus in the womb. Cang Zhu (Cāng Zhù, Atractylodis Rhizoma), soaked in rice washing water and stir-fried; Zi Chuan Nong Po (Zǐ Chuān Nóng Pò, likely referring to Magnolia Bark processed with ginger juice); Chen Pi (Chén Pí, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), each 2 qian; Zhi Cao (Zhì Gǎo Cǎo, Prepared Licorice Root)...

Another prescription: Apply cow dung fried with vinegar to the umbilicus, bind well with cloth. The placenta will be expelled; extremely effective.

See section on Prenatal Care.

When the placenta arrives, do not cut the umbilical cord. Immediately take a small pot, boil water, place the placenta in hot water, and pour hot water over the umbilical cord. Wait until warmth enters the abdomen; the infant's Qi will return, and crying sounds will emerge. If the umbilical cord is cut first, it cannot be saved. Refer also to various methods for infant protection in Pediatrics.