Shou Tai Wan ( 寿胎囊 ), TCM's "Fetus Longevity Pill"
Shou Tai Wan (寿胎丸) is a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula traditionally used to support pregnancy, particularly in cases of threatened miscarriage or recurrent pregnancy loss. It has been employed for centuries to strengthen and stabilize pregnancy by tonifying the Kidney and calming the fetus.
Historical Use of Shou Tai Wan
Shou Tai Wan was first recorded in Fu Qing Zhu’s Gynecology (傅青主女科), a Qing Dynasty (17th-century) medical text specializing in women’s health. In classical TCM theory, a healthy pregnancy relies on strong Kidney Qi and Essence (Jing), which govern reproduction and fetal development. If the Kidneys are deficient, it can lead to an unstable pregnancy, manifesting as symptoms like vaginal bleeding, lower back pain, frequent urination, dizziness, or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
The original formula consists of:
Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen) – Tonifies the Kidneys and stabilizes pregnancy.
Sang Ji Sheng (Taxilli Herba) – Strengthens the Liver and Kidneys, nourishes the blood, and calms the fetus.
Xu Duan (Dipsaci Radix) – Strengthens tendons and bones, invigorates blood, and secures pregnancy.
E Jiao (Asini Corii Colla) – Nourishes the blood, stops bleeding, and supports fetal growth.
Today, Shou Tai Wan is still widely used in TCM clinics to support pregnancy in women experiencing symptoms of Kidney Deficiency (such as lower back pain, weak constitution, dizziness, or recurrent pregnancy loss). However, its application has expanded based on modern research and clinical observations.
Common Modern Applications
Threatened Miscarriage – Often prescribed when a woman experiences spotting, lower back discomfort, or other signs of an unstable pregnancy.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss – Used preventatively for women with a history of multiple miscarriages due to Kidney Yang or Yin Deficiency.
Weak Fetal Development – Some practitioners use it to enhance fetal nourishment in cases where the baby shows signs of slow growth due to maternal deficiency.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Support – Sometimes used alongside IVF to help maintain early pregnancy, especially in women with weak Kidney function.
When to use Shou Tai Wan
Shou Tai Wan is typically used after ovulation in cases of fertility support because it focuses on stabilizing and securing a pregnancy rather than promoting ovulation or follicular development. Here's why:
1. Supports the Luteal Phase (Post-Ovulation)
In TCM theory, the Kidneys, Spleen, and Liver play key roles in maintaining pregnancy. The Kidneys store Jing (Essence), which is crucial for reproductive health. If Kidney deficiency leads to insufficient Qi and Blood, the uterine lining may not be strong enough to support implantation or early pregnancy.
After ovulation, the body shifts into the luteal phase, where progesterone rises to maintain the uterine lining and prevent early miscarriage. Shou Tai Wan reinforces Kidney and Spleen function, which correlates with progesterone’s role in stabilizing pregnancy.
2. Prevents Implantation Failure or Early Pregnancy Loss
If a woman has a history of implantation failure or recurrent pregnancy loss, it often suggests an underlying Kidney Deficiency pattern in TCM. Shou Tai Wan is used immediately after ovulation to:
Secure the uterine environment for implantation.
Nourish the Blood and strengthen the Kidneys to sustain early pregnancy.
Reduce the risk of early pregnancy symptoms like spotting or lower back pain, which could indicate instability.
3. Not Used Before Ovulation
Shou Tai Wan is not typically used before ovulation because:
Some of its herbs (such as Sang Ji Sheng and E Jiao) have a stabilizing and securing effect, which might not be ideal when the goal is follicular growth and ovulation.
Pre-ovulation, TCM usually focuses on nourishing the Liver and boosting Blood and Qi to promote healthy follicular development and ovulation.
Herbs like Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen) are known for their role in supporting Yang and Kidney function, which is more beneficial post-ovulation rather than during follicular development.
Who Should Use It After Ovulation?
Women with a history of implantation failure or recurrent pregnancy loss.
Those undergoing IVF or assisted reproductive treatments, especially if they have a weak luteal phase.
Women with signs of Kidney Deficiency (e.g., lower back soreness, frequent urination, dizziness, weak constitution).
After ovulation, the focus of treatment shifts to stabilizing pregnancy and supporting implantation. Shou Tai Wan is widely used because of its gentle and safe effects in reinforcing the kidneys and preventing miscarriage. However, treatment should always be personalized based on an individual's constitution and specific diagnosis.
Disclaimer: All above articles are for reference only. If patients are interested, please consult a professional practitioner Traditional Chinese Medicine for a consultation.