Concept of Pregnancy Care in Ayurveda
Giving birth is an incredibly intense experience! Ayurveda focuses a strong emphasis on caring for the mother before, during, and after pregnancy. It is the woman who bears children and spreads the human species. Pregnancy and childbirth, according to Ayurveda, can be a rejuvenating event and a good highlight in a woman’s life. Streeroga – Prasuthi Tantra (Gynaecology and Obstetrics) is a separate section of ayurveda devoted to women’s and children’s health, including prenatal care.
Conception is the uniting of male and female seeds that results in the formation of an embryo. Human conception is compared to the germination and sprouting of plant seeds, which eventually grow into a seedling. The quality of seeds is really important. The condition of the mother’s uterus, like the soil in which the seed grows, is also vital in the growth and development of a healthy kid. Pregnant women can employ Ayurvedic principles to care for themselves during pregnancy and to aid in their recovery after their baby is delivered. Ayurvedic advice focuses on diet, behaviour, hobbies, medicines, and remedies.
Indeed, garbhini paricharya (care to be taken during pregnancy) is critical for safe motherhood and healthy offspring. Garbhini Paricharya refers to prenatal treatment that includes Ahara (a specific nutritional regimen) and Vihara (activity for physical, mental and emotional well-being). Garbhini paricharya is classified into three types in Ayurveda:
- Masanumasika Pathya ahara and Vihara (monthly dietary regimen and lifestyle)
- Garbhasthapaka karma (diet and activities for maintenance of pregnancy and better progeny)
- Garbhopaghatakara Bhavas should be avoided (diet and activities which are harmful to foetus)
Pregnant women can benefit immensely from Ayurvedic principles both throughout pregnancy and after their kid is delivered. Ayurvedic advice focuses on diet, behaviour, hobbies, medicines, and remedies.
AYURVEDIC PRENATAL CARE
Ayurveda classifies nine pregnancy-related disorders as garbhopadravas: nausea, anorexia, vomiting, dry mouth, fever, oedema, anaemia, diarrhoea, and fluid retention. Following ayurvedic food and lifestyle guidelines can help to avoid these issues and keep the pregnancy healthy.
FAVOUR YOUR CRAVINGS
Keep in mind that you are feeding two bodies and two body kinds. Respect your cravings, especially after four months of pregnancy, when cravings are most likely. The most crucial piece of advise is to eat whenever you want and to consume enough amounts of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and vegetables.
BALANCE YOUR VATA
Because it affects the nerve system, the vata dosha requires extra attention during pregnancy. A diet rich in fresh, plant-based meals, whole or sprouted grains, and unprocessed foods is advised. Warm, freshly prepared dishes with healthy oils such as ghee and coconut are ideal. Sweet, sour, and salty are the three tastes that balance vata.
The sweet taste should be emphasised throughout pregnancy because it is the most sattvic or nutritious for the baby. Warm, unhomogenized cow’s milk with ghee. One cup of warm milk with a spoonful of ghee twice a day is supposed to enhance the baby’s immunity and vitality (ojas).
ABHYANGA
Abhyanga (ayurvedic therapeutic massage) followed by a bath in lukewarm water is a great treatment for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy. Regular abhyanga beginning in the sixth month is also said to promote smooth labour. Other therapies for relaxing the nervous system include head massage, belly massage, foot massage, and Shirodhara. Other important internal and external therapies necessitate the expertise of a physician.
WHAT NOT TO DO DURING PREGNANCY – CARE DURING PREGNANCY
- Fasting or overeating
- Food that is dry, stale, fermented, heavy, heated, or strong, alcohol, and meat
- Getting enough sleep throughout the day and staying up late at night
- Witnessing or hearing things that cause sentiments of grief, rage, horror, or anguish
- Long-distance travel in an aircraft or vehicle, or on uneven/rough roads
- Sitting for an extended period of time, sitting in awkward positions, or Squatting for a long time or sitting in an uncomfortable position or on a hard surface
- Moving heavy objects or lifting objects from a position that puts strain on your back and abdomen
- Natural desires should not be suppressed (things like sleep, hunger, yawning, crying, urination, excrement expulsion etc)
- Excessive sex particularly during early and late pregnancy
- Speaking in a loud voice
- Wearing the tight clothes and tight belts
