Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: Last menstrual period on September 9, slight vaginal bleeding on September 26, doctor's examination conclusion is normal ovulatory bleeding. On October 26, ultrasound showed thickening of the left adnexa, suspected of adnexitis, intravenous penicillin 8 million and ampicillin 6 grams for five days. On November 6, HCG test was positive, previously multiple tests were negative. On November 9 evening, slight vaginal pinkish blood spots. On November 10, took progesterone and vitamin E for fetal preservation, and the HCG test line's red line was very faint. On November 11, received progesterone injection for fetal preservation, and the HCG test line's red line remained very faint. In the afternoon, started to flow fresh blood.Doctor's answer:
Preterm labor refers to vaginal bleeding in small amounts before the 20th week of pregnancy, accompanied by symptoms such as lower back pain, abdominal pain, or a sensation of heaviness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), preterm labor is known as tai luo (vaginal bleeding during pregnancy) and tai dong bu an (restlessness of fetal movement). If it progresses further, it may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Generally, after the third month of pregnancy, if the fetus is already formed and miscarries, it is referred to as a "stillbirth" or "half-birth." Modern medicine calls this "spontaneous abortion." If, after a miscarriage or stillbirth, the next pregnancy also results in a miscarriage, or if there are multiple miscarriages (three or more), it is termed "slippery womb," now known as "habitual abortion."Etiology and Pathogenesis
TCM this condition primarily occurs due to the instability of the Chong and Ren meridians, which fail to properly hold blood and nourish the fetus. The Chong meridian is the sea of blood, and the Ren meridian governs fetal development. When the Chong and Ren qi are strong and stable, the fetus is well-supported and nourished, allowing for normal growth and development. Conversely, if they are weak, it can lead to tai luo and tai dong bu an, among other conditions. The mechanisms leading to the instability of the Chong and Ren meridians include qi and blood deficiency, kidney deficiency, blood heat, and trauma.