袁了凡云∶天地生物，必有 之时，万物化生，必有乐育之时。猫犬至微，将受娠
也，其雌必狂呼而奔跳，以 乐育之气触之而不能自止耳，此天然之节候生化之真机
也。世人种子有云∶三十时辰两日半，二十八九君须算。此特言其大概耳，非的论也。丹
经云∶一月止有一日，一日止有一时。凡妇人一月经行一度，必有一日 之候于一时
辰，间气蒸而热，昏而闷，有欲交接不可忍之状，此的候也。于此时逆而取之则成丹，顺
而施之则成胎矣。其曰三日月出庚。又曰温温铅鼎，光透帘帏，皆言其景象也。当其欲
情浓动之时，子宫内有如莲花蕊者，不拘经净几日，自然挺出阴中，如莲蕊初开。妇人
洗下体，以手探之自知也，但含羞不肯言耳。男子预密告之，令其自言，一举即中矣。
娠子论云∶至精才化，一气方凝，始受胞胎，渐成形质。子在腹中，随母听闻。自
妊娠之后，则须行坐端严，性情和悦，常处静室，多听美言，令人讲读诗书，陈说礼乐，
耳不闻非言，目不观恶事，如此则生男女，福寿敦浓，忠孝贤明。不然，则生男女，多鄙
贱不寿而愚顽，此所谓外象而内感也。昔太妊怀文王，耳不听恶声，目不视恶色，口不
出恶言，世传胎教之道，此之谓也。
徐之才曰∶妊娠一月，名胎胚。饮食精熟，酸羹受御，宜食大麦，毋食腥辛，是谓
才正。是月足厥阴脉养胎，不可针灸其经。足厥阴属肝，主筋及血。一月之时，血行痞涩，
不为力事，寝必安静，无令恐畏。
妊娠二月，名始膏。毋食辛臊，居必静处，男子勿劳，百节皆痛，是为胎始。是月
足少阳脉养胎，不可针灸其经。少阳属胆主精。二月之时，儿精成于胞里，当慎护之，勿
惊动也。
妊娠三月，名始胎。此时未有定象，见物而化。欲生男者，操弓矢，欲生女者，弄
珠玑，欲子美好，数视璧玉，欲子贤良，端坐清虚，是谓外象而内感者也。是月手心主
脉养胎，不可针灸其经。属心。毋悲哀思虑惊动。
妊娠四月，始受水精以成血脉，食宜稻，宜鱼，是谓盛血气，以通耳目，而行经络。是
月手少阳脉养胎，不可针灸其经。内输三焦。此时儿六腑顺成，当静形体。和心志，节饮
食。
妊娠五月，始受火精以成其气，卧必晏起，沐浴浣衣，深其居处，浓其衣服，食稻
粱，羹牛羊，和以茱萸，调以五味，是谓养气以定五脏。是月足太阴脉养胎，不可针灸
其经。属脾。此时儿四肢皆成，毋太饥饱，毋食干燥，毋自炙热，毋太劳倦。
妊娠六月，始受金精以成其筋，身欲小劳毋逸，出游于野，食宜鸷鸟猛兽之肉，是
谓变腠理，纫筋，以养其力，以坚背膂。是月足阳明脉养胎，不可针灸其经。属胃，主
口目。此时儿口目皆成，调五味，食甘美，毋太饱。
妊娠七月，始受水精以成其骨，劳身摇肢，毋使定止，动作屈伸，以运血气，居处
必燥，饮食避寒，食稻粱以密腠理，是谓养骨而坚齿。是月手太阴脉养胎，不可针灸其
经。属肺主皮毛。此时儿皮毛已成，毋多言哭，毋洗浴，毋薄衣，毋饮冷。
妊娠八月，始受土精以成肤革，和心静息，无使气极，是谓密腠理而光泽颜色。是
月手阳明脉养胎，不可针灸其经。属大肠，主九窍。此时儿九窍皆成，毋食燥物，毋辄失
食，毋忍大便。
妊娠九月，始受石精以成皮毛，六腑百节，莫不毕备，饮醴食甘，缓带自持而待之，
是谓养毛发，致才力。是月足少阴脉养胎，不可针灸其经。属肾，主续缕。此时儿脉络续
缕皆成，毋处湿冷，无着炙衣。
妊娠十月，五脏俱备，六腑齐通，纳天地气于丹田，故使关节人神皆备，只俟时而
生。是月足太阳脉养胎，不可针灸其经。属膀胱。宜服滑胎药。
袁了凡说：天地孕育万物，必定有特定的时机；万物化生，也必定有快乐培育的时节。猫狗这类微小的动物，在即将受孕时，雌性一定会狂呼乱跳，这是因为受到“乐育”之气的触动而无法自持罢了，这是天然的节律和生化真正的机理。世人谈论受孕时机时说：“三十个时辰加两天半，二十八九天您必须算准。”这仅仅是说个大概，并非确切的定论。丹经中说：一个月只有一天，一天只有一个时辰。凡是妇女每月月经来潮一次，必有一个时辰内出现特定的征候，此时气息蒸腾发热，头昏胸闷，有想要交合却难以忍受的状态，这才是确切的受孕期。在这个时刻逆向操作（指炼丹术中的采补）则能成丹，顺其自然而行房事则能成胎。文中所说的“三日月出庚”，又说“温温铅鼎，光透帘帏”，都是描述这种景象。当情欲浓烈发动之时，子宫内部就像莲花的花蕊一样，不管月经干净几天，自然会挺出阴道口，如同莲花初开。妇女清洗下身，用手探入自知，只是含羞不肯说出来而已。男子应预先秘密告知她，让她自己说出感觉，这样一举就能中孕。
《娠子论》说：至精刚刚化生，一气方才凝聚，开始接受胞胎，逐渐形成形体。胎儿在腹中，随着母亲听闻外界事物。自从怀孕之后，就必须行为端正严肃，性情温和喜悦，常处在安静的居室，多听美好的言语，让人讲读诗书，陈述礼乐，耳朵不听邪恶的声音，眼睛不看丑恶的事情，如此生下的男女，福气长寿深厚，忠诚孝顺贤明。否则，生下的男女，大多卑贱短命而且愚笨顽劣，这就是所谓的“外象而内感”。从前太妊怀文王时，耳朵不听恶声，眼睛不看恶色，嘴巴不说恶言，世间流传的胎教之道，说的就是这个道理。
徐之才说：妊娠第一个月，名叫胎胚。饮食要精细熟软，酸味的汤羹容易接受，适宜吃大麦，不要吃腥膻辛辣的食物，这叫做“才正”。这个月足厥阴肝经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。足厥阴经属于肝，主管筋和血。第一个月的时候，血液运行滞涩，不要从事体力劳动，睡觉一定要安静，不要让胎儿受到惊恐畏惧。
妊娠第二个月，名叫始膏。不要吃辛辣腥臊的食物，居住必须在安静的地方，男子不要劳累，孕妇全身关节都疼痛，这标志着胎儿的开始。这个月足少阳胆经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。少阳经属于胆，主管精。第二个月的时候，胎儿的精气在胞宫内形成，应当谨慎保护，不要惊动它。
妊娠第三个月，名叫始胎。这时候还没有固定的形象，见到什么就变化为什么样子。想生男孩的，拿着弓和箭；想生女孩的，玩弄珠玉；想让子女容貌美好的，多看璧玉；想让子女贤良的，端正坐于清静虚无之中，这就是所谓的“外象而内感”。这个月手心主心包经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。属于心。不要让胎儿受到悲哀、思虑或惊动。
妊娠第四个月，开始接受水精以形成血脉，饮食适宜稻米和鱼，这叫做盛养血气，以通耳目，而行经络。这个月手少阳三焦经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。内连三焦。此时胎儿六腑顺利成形，应当使身体安静，调和心志，节制饮食。
妊娠第五个月，开始接受火精以形成其气，睡觉一定要晚起，沐浴洗衣，居所要深邃，衣服要厚实，吃稻米和高粱，喝牛羊的肉汤，用茱萸调味，调和五味，这叫做养气以安定五脏。这个月足太阴脾经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。属于脾。此时胎儿四肢都已长成，不要过饥过饱，不要吃干燥的食物，不要让自己受热，不要过度劳累。
妊娠第六个月，开始接受金精以形成其筋，身体要稍微劳作不要安逸，去野外出游，饮食适宜猛禽猛兽的肉，这叫做改变腠理，连结筋骨，以培养力气，以坚固背脊。这个月足阳明胃经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。属于胃，主管口目。此时胎儿的口目都已长成，调和五味，吃甘美食物，不要吃得过饱。
妊娠第七个月，开始接受水精以形成其骨，劳累身体摇动肢体，不要静止不动，动作屈伸，以运行血气，居处一定要干燥，饮食避开寒冷，吃稻米高粱以密实腠理，这叫做养骨而坚固牙齿。这个月手太阴肺经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。属于肺，主管皮毛。此时胎儿的皮毛都已长成，不要多说话哭泣，不要洗浴，不要穿薄衣，不要喝冷饮。
妊娠第八个月，开始接受土精以形成皮肤，调和心志保持平静呼吸，不要让气机达到极点，这叫做密实腠理而光泽颜色。这个月手阳明大肠经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。属于大肠，主管九窍。此时胎儿的九窍都已长成，不要吃燥物，不要随意断食，不要强忍大便。
妊娠第九个月，开始接受石精以形成皮毛，六腑百节，没有不齐全的，饮用甜酒吃甘甜食物，松开腰带自己扶着等待分娩，这叫做养毛发，致才力。这个月足少阴肾经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。属于肾，主管续缕（连接脉络）。此时胎儿的脉络续缕都已长成，不要处于湿冷的环境，不要穿烤热的衣服。
妊娠第十个月，五脏都具备，六腑齐通，将天地之气纳入丹田，所以使关节和神智都完备，只等待时机出生。这个月足太阳膀胱经滋养胎儿，不可针灸这条经脉。属于膀胱。适宜服用滑胎药（助产药）。
Yuan Liaofan said: The heaven and earth nurture all things, there must be a specific time; the transformation and generation of all things must also have a time of joyful nurturing. Even for small animals like cats and dogs, when they are about to conceive, the female will inevitably cry out wildly and jump around, because she is touched by the "Qi of joyful nurturing" and cannot stop herself. This is the natural rhythm and the true mechanism of biological generation. People speaking of conception times say: "Thirty hours plus two and a half days, you must calculate twenty-eight or twenty-nine." This merely states a general rule, not an exact determination. The Alchemical Scriptures state: In one month, there is only one day; in one day, there is only one hour. Whenever a woman menstruates once a month, there must be one hour within which a specific sign appears: at this time, Qi steams and generates heat, causing dizziness and stuffiness, with an unbearable desire for intercourse. This is the exact fertile window. If one acts against nature (in the context of alchemy) at this moment, elixirs are formed; if one follows nature and engages in sexual intercourse, pregnancy is conceived. The phrase "the three-day moon appears at Geng" and the description "the lead cauldron is warm, light penetrates the curtains" both refer to these phenomena. When passion is intensely aroused, inside the uterus, something resembling the stamen of a lotus flower naturally protrudes from the vagina, just as a lotus bud first opens. After washing the lower body, a woman can know this by touching it herself, though she may be too shy to speak of it. The man should secretly inform her beforehand, prompting her to describe the sensation, so that conception occurs on the first attempt.
The Treatise on Nurturing the Fetus states: When the supreme essence transforms and the single Qi condenses, the embryo is initially received and gradually takes shape. The fetus in the womb hears what the mother hears. Since pregnancy begins, one must walk and sit upright and solemnly, maintain a gentle and happy disposition, dwell often in quiet rooms, listen mostly to beautiful words, have others read poetry and books, and discuss rites and music. Let the ears not hear evil sounds, let the eyes not see ugly sights. Thus, the sons and daughters born will possess abundant fortune and longevity, and be loyal, filial, and wise. Otherwise, the children born will likely be lowly, short-lived, foolish, and obstinate. This is called "external images affecting internal sensations." In the past, Tai Ren, while pregnant with King Wen, did not listen to evil sounds, did not look at evil colors, and did not utter evil words. The way of prenatal education handed down in the world refers to this.
Xu Zhicai said: In the first month of pregnancy, it is named "Tai Pei" (Embryo). Food should be fine and well-cooked; sour soups are easily tolerated. It is suitable to eat barley, but avoid fishy, pungent, and spicy foods. This is called "Cai Zheng" (Initial Uprightness). During this month, the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. The Foot Jueyin belongs to the Liver, which governs sinews and blood. In the first month, blood circulation is sluggish; one should not engage in physical labor, sleep must be quiet, and fear or fright should be avoided.
In the second month of pregnancy, it is named "Shi Gao" (Beginning Paste). Avoid pungent and fishy-smelling foods; dwell in quiet places; men should avoid exertion; the pregnant woman's joints may ache, marking the beginning of the fetus. During this month, the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. The Shaoyang belongs to the Gallbladder, which governs essence. In the second month, the fetus's essence forms in the uterine cavity; it must be carefully protected and not disturbed.
In the third month of pregnancy, it is named "Shi Tai" (Beginning Fetus). At this time, there is no fixed form; it transforms according to what is seen. Those wishing for a boy should handle bows and arrows; those wishing for a girl should play with pearls and gems; those desiring beautiful offspring should frequently view jade; those desiring virtuous offspring should sit upright in clarity and emptiness. This is referred to as "external images affecting internal sensations." During this month, the Hand Shouyin Pericardium Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Heart. Do not allow sorrow, excessive thought, or agitation.
In the fourth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Water Essence to form blood vessels. Diet should include rice and fish. This is called "Sheng Xue Qi" (Abundant Blood and Qi), used to open the senses and circulate through the meridians. During this month, the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. Internally connected to the Sanjiao. At this time, the fetus's six fu organs are smoothly formed; the body should remain still, the mind harmonized, and diet regulated.
In the fifth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Fire Essence to form its Qi. One should rise late for sleep, bathe and wash clothes, dwell in deep quarters, wear thick clothing, eat rice and millet, consume beef and mutton soup, season with zanthoxylum, and harmonize the five flavors. This is called "Yang Qi" (Nourishing Qi) to stabilize the five zang organs. During this month, the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Spleen. At this time, the fetus's four limbs are formed; avoid extreme hunger or fullness, dry foods, self-heating, and excessive fatigue.
In the sixth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Metal Essence to form its sinews. The body should engage in slight labor and not remain idle; go out to the wild. Diet should include meat of birds of prey and fierce beasts. This is called "Bian Cou Li" (Changing Pores) and "Ren Jin" (Binding Sinews) to cultivate strength and strengthen the back. During this month, the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Stomach, governing the mouth and eyes. At this time, the fetus's mouth and eyes are formed; harmonize the five flavors, eat sweet and delicious food, and avoid overeating.
In the seventh month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Water Essence to form its bones. Labor the body and shake the limbs; do not stay still. Move and bend/extend to circulate blood and qi. Dwelling must be dry; diet should avoid cold. Eat rice and millet to tighten pores. This is called "Yang Gu" (Nourishing Bones) to harden teeth. During this month, the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Lung, governing skin and hair. At this time, the fetus's skin and hair are formed; avoid excessive talking and crying, bathing, wearing thin clothes, and drinking cold liquids.
In the eighth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Earth Essence to form skin and flesh. Harmonize the mind and rest quietly; do not let Qi reach extremes. This is called "Mi Cou Li" (Tightening Pores) to brighten complexion. During this month, the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Large Intestine, governing the nine orifices. At this time, the fetus's nine orifices are formed; avoid dry foods, irregular eating, and holding back bowel movements.
In the ninth month of pregnancy, the fetus begins to receive Stone Essence to form skin and hair. The six fu organs and hundred joints are fully prepared. Drink sweet wine and eat sweet foods, loosen the belt, support oneself, and wait. This is called "Yang Mao Fa" (Nourishing Hair) and "Zhi Cai Li" (Developing Vitality). During this month, the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Kidney, governing connections. At this time, the fetus's meridional connections are formed; avoid damp and cold environments, and do not wear heated clothes.
In the tenth month of pregnancy, the five zang organs are complete, and the six fu organs are fully connected. Heaven and Earth Qi are drawn into the Dantian. Thus, joints and spirit are all prepared, awaiting only the time for birth. During this month, the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian nourishes the fetus, and acupuncture or moxibustion on this meridian is forbidden. It belongs to the Bladder. It is suitable to take Slippery Fetus Medicine (parturition-promoting herbs).