Ayurveda guideline for and During Pregnancy

Planning and thinking about pregnancy;  Concerned about Infertility; Care during Pregnancy; Advises for Delivery; Instructions to follow after Delivery or Breast feeding. All these topics have been discussed in detail in Ayurveda.

‘Constitution’ or Prakriti is determined at the time of conception.

Ayurveda-the science of life could contribute significantly in improving mother’s and new-born’s health as well as reducing the chances of diseases and disabilities.

Couple should undergo physical and mental detoxification before planning for baby. This would include:

*Improving and correcting the Diet.

* Stop bad indulgences.

* Improving psychological health.

*Correcting life style.

* Detoxification therapies.

* Herbs and Diet as per body’s need and better progeny.

“The life of all living things is food; the entire world seeks food, Complexion, clarity, good voice, long life, understanding, happiness, Satisfaction, growth, intelligence etc. are all because of food.”(Charak Samhita).

The holistic regimen advised during various stages of pregnancy and childbirth comprising of thoughts, action, dietary modifications and herbs aims to ensure a healthy and smooth childbirth at the same time sustain the overall health, nutrition and wellbeing of both the woman and the baby. The measures are simple, easy to follow by women and families.

When a couple comes for consultation – detailed history is taken individually and after Pulse analysis ( Nadi pariksha),advice regarding Diet, life style and Herbs are recommended.

During Pregnancy, as there is growth and development of foetus  going on in mother’s womb, Ayurveda specifically describes different food and modulations, month by month.

1^st month Dietetic regimen:

Sweet, Cold ,liquid and congenial diet.

Medicated or non-medicated milk

Ghee intake

Herbal oil massage

Rubbing medicinal powders over the body

Specific herbs like – Yashtimadhu,Palash,Agnimanth,Water chest nut etc ( Ref: Charaka Sharir sthan 8/22; Sushruta Sharir Sthan 10/4; Ashtang sangrah sharir 3/3).

Second month:

Milk processed with madhur ras (sweet taste herbs)- (Charaka sh 8/32;Ashtang sangraha  sharir 3 /4)

Sweet taste food, cold- liquid diet (Sushrut sh 10/4).

Sweetened treated milk with Kakoli (Ha sam Tr sth 49/2)

Third ,Fourth month:

Milk with Honey and Ghee ( Ch Sh 8/32; Ash Sh 3/5)

Sweet tasting foods, cold food and liquid diet (Su Sh 10/4)

Cooked Shashtik ( Navara) rice with milk.

Thin khichadi ( Harita Samhita Tr sa 49/3)

Shashtik rice with yogurt ( Sushruta Sharir 10/4)

Foods conducive and pleasant for Heart (Sushruta sh 10/4)

Milk added with approximately 10gm Butter ( Ashtang Sangraha Sh 3/6).

Fifth, Sixth month Diet:

Prepared ghee from butter (Ch Sh 8/32; As Sam sh 3/7; Su Sh 10/4)

Shashtik rice with milk (Sushruta Sh 10/4).

Sweetened rice prepared in milk ( Rice pudding) – Bhela Samhita Sh 8/6)

Sweetened yogurt ( Harita Samhita T Sth 49/3).

Seventh and Eighth month Diet- Regimen:

Medicated ghee with sweet taste herbs ( Charaka  Sharir 8/32; Ash Sangraha Sh 3/8).

Sweet dish made in ghee ( Ghrit Khanda) – ( Harita Samhita Tr Sth 49/3)

‘Ksheer yavagu sarpishmatim’- Gruel prepared with milk and added ghee.

Some Enema ( Asthapana,Anuvasana) have been mentioned – to be administered with proper supervision.

Ninth month Diet/ Regimen:

Soup with cooked Rice and Ghee ( Ashtang  Hridaya Sh1).

Rice gruel.

Vaginal tampons ( Ch Sh 8/32; Ash Sam Sh 3/12).

Herbal oil enemas ( Ch Sh 8/32; Ash Sam Sh 3/12).

Different varieties of Rice or Cereals (Harita Samhita Tr Sth 49/3).

** People with some intolerances or underlying diseases are advised differently as per their condition and constitution (Prakriti).

** Specific advice regarding Yoga / gentle exercises / massages/ Meditation is given as per individual’s body.