Care during each month of pregnancy (Antenatal Care) is called Masanumasiki (month-to-month) Chikitsa (treatment) in Ayurveda. Ayurveda follows different medicinal approach for different month of pregnancy. According to Ayurveda, a different dhatu (a body-building substance) is formed in different month of pregnancy in the body. Ayurveda also helps in controlling other illnesses associated with pregnancy; for example – high blood pressure, acidity, nausea, edema, diabetes or premature birth.
According to Ayurveda Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle) and Vichara (thought process) are the prime factors to be stressed on a pregnant women. It recommends the following instructions:
- Drinking a glass of milk is very helpful as provides calcium, lactose and butter fat.
- Living on liquid diet like fruit juice, coconut water, milk is very beneficial for the nouriushment of the child during the early 3 months.
- Reduce fats, salt and water during your last three months.
- Cereals like – wheat, oats, rye, whole meal bread, and pulses like – dried peas, bean sprouts, lentils, chickpeas, soya-beans are good source of protein.
- Fresh green leafy vegetables like – spinach, lettuce, celery are must along with potatoes.
- Fruits like – apple, banana, and citrus fruits like – lemon (juices), grapes, orange and pineapple should be consumed.
- Dried fruits including dates, figs and almonds are good.
- Butter, ghee, fish and egg can be included in diet.
- Avoid fried, salty or greasy foods strictly.
- Avoid moving out of the house very often.
- Have proper sleep in a secured place.
- Avoid any chance of fear and anxiety.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes.
- Do not go for any strenuous physical activities.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol and avoid sex.
- Eat lightly but frequently.
- Perform meditation to keep yourself calm and cool.
- Should eat satvik food; i.e neither hot, spicy, sour nor have other irritants.
- Homemade foods are mostly preferred.
- The baby is exposed to all emotional and physiological changes in the mother even when it is the womb. So the couple needs to behave properly. They should have affection and respect for each other. Garbhasanskar is done by listening to different ragas in classical music.
- Depression is common in most pregnant women. It can lead to serious trouble if neglected. So counseling is very necessary. Yoga, meditation, listening to soft melodies, mantra chanting are good practise.
- Regular oil massage (Abhyanga) by experts is very beneficial for mother.
Pregnancy is the biggest gift from nature to women. And it is the responsibility of both men and women both. Since a woman carries the baby in her womb, maximum stress is given to her health. So that she becomes capable enough to nourish and give birth to her baby. Our only motive is to educate every new mothers about this. We should be proud of being a mother and give utmost affection, love and care to our children. The mother and the child share a very strong bond. Mood, emotions and diet of the mother affects in the health and happening of the child.
