Library

Whenever the fetus dies in the uterus, external signs include cyanosis and blackening of the fingernails, abdominal distension and fullness with loss of appetite, and extremely foul breath. Use Pingwei San (Stomach-Pacifying Powder). Add 5 qian of Puxiao (Mirabilite) and decoct with water and wine for oral administration. The dead fetus will transform into bloody fluid and be discharged. If there is blood dryness accompanied by cold syndrome, administer via Xionggui Tang (Angelica and Ligusticum Decoction). Alternatively, one may take Guixiang Wan (Cinnamon and Musk Pill) or Ligan Jianying Fang (Instant Effect Formula).

Pingwei San: Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) 2 qian, Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Nongpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) each 1 qian.

Xionggui Tang: Also known as Foshou San (Buddha's Hand Powder).

Guixiang Wan: Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Shexiang (Moschus).

Ligan Jianying Fang: Huangkuihua (Abutilonis Indicae Flos) 3 qian, Mudanhua (Paeoniae Moutan Flos) 3 fen, Zhen Wuyi (Cantharis), Shexiang (Moschus) 1 fen, Sangniu (Sericum Bombycis infested with silkworms), Badou (Crotonis Fructus) half a grain (oil removed), Bimazi (Ricini Semen) half a grain (oil removed). Grind all into fine powder, make pills using vinegar paste the size of a bullet, coated with Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) powder. Before use, crush one pill, mix with hot wine and a little Sesame Oil, and swallow.

Note: If this formula is made into pills using green onion juice and stir-fried, it promotes blood circulation, softens fetal bones, and can immediately expel any malpresentation, breech birth, or retained dead fetus.

In cases of twins where one is dead and the other alive, use 1 liang of Xiezhuao (Carapax Trionycis), 2 liang of Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and ten cups of Dongliushui (flowing water from east to west). Decoct until three cups remain, strain, add 3 liang of Ejiao (Colla Corii Asini), and divide into three doses taken at once. This will ensure the safety of the living fetus and expulsion of the dead one.

Jiawei Tuohua Jian (Modified Decoction for Expelling the Placenta): Highly effective for treating retained placenta due to cord rupture and intrauterine fetal death. Quan Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 2 qian, Hei Paogjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Cinere) 8 fen, Jing Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen) 1 qian, Da Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 3 qian, Chuan Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) 1 qian, Dongjing Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus, remove bark, grind to powder for adding during decoction) 6 fen, Zhi Fengcao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Melle) 8 fen, add Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) 5 qian (add during decoction).

After delivery, one should not lie down immediately. Instead, sit upright with assistance, and have someone gently massage from below the heart down to the umbilical abdomen five or six times with warm hands before lying down. One should also avoid prolonged sitting to prevent exhaustion. While sleeping, continue to massage occasionally so that lochia does not stagnate. The method requires keeping both legs raised; do not extend the knees while sitting. Sleep on high pillows and thick mattresses, ensuring no drafts around.

Immediately after delivery, take Shenghua Tang (Life-Restoring Decoction) for two or three doses, drinking several bowls continuously. If hungry, eat white rice porridge after the first decoction, but do not overeat; take the second decoction shortly after. If not hungry, finish the medicine before eating. This prevents complications such as mass-related pain.

Keep the mother's abdomen warm by frequently warming small garments. Even in summer, bedding should not be omitted, or a thin cotton garment should cover the heart and abdomen. In winter or spring when the weather is severe, the delivery room must be tightly sealed with heat sources placed around to maintain warmth. Lower body clothing and bedding should be thicker to prevent cold-induced blood stasis and various syndromes.

Do not ask about the gender of the newborn immediately after delivery, lest excessive talk deplete qi, or emotions of love or hate cause qi stagnation, leading to illness. Do not sleep alone, lest fear and palpitations arise. Violating taboos initially seems trivial as an autumn hair, but the resulting disease becomes heavier than a mountain. How can one not be cautious!