Distension and fullness in the heart region and abdomen in pregnancy

Fullness and distension in the upper abdomen during pregnancy. It is observed in women ordinarily suffering from vacuity cold, who contract cold or suffer internal damage by dietary irregularities during pregnancy. The resulting congestion of stomach qì allows turbid evil to cause internal obstruction and disturb upbearing and downbearing.

Patterns

Cold contraction (感寒 gǎn hán) is associated with pronounced distension after eating, which likes pressure and heat.

Medicinal therapy: Warm the center and disperse cold. Use Costusroot and Amomum Six Gentlemen Decoction (香砂六君子汤 xiāng shā liù jūn zǐ tāng).

Food damage (伤食 shāng shí) is attended by pain and distension after eating, putrid belching, and acid swallowing.

Medicinal therapy: Disperse food and transform stagnation. Use Harmony-Preserving Pill (保和丸 bǎo hé wán).