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Ayurveda > Garbhini Paricharya (Pregnancy Care)
By Dr. Satish Kulkarni
Pregnancy is one of the most important events in the life of
every woman and ayurved has suggested a very good protocol for
that, which is called garbhini paricharya. It has given a
detailed description of ahar (nutrition), vihar (life
style) and vichar (thought process) to be followed during
pregnancy. According to ayurved, all these directly affect the mother
as well as the child.
In general, the ayurvedic faculty is against taking medicines
until and unless there is maternal and fetal distress. Ayurved
also advises avoiding alcohol consumption, smoking, etc., to avoid
fetal abnormalities. It further suggests avoiding sexual activity
after the fifth or the sixth month because according to ayurved,
this can induce fetal distress.
Diet is the most important component of garbhini paricharya. Ayurved suggests that
a wholesome diet during the period of pregnancy is a must, since this
ultimately results in fetal growth, maternal health and post delivery
lactation. During the era of ayurved, microscopy had not been invented,
however, ayurvedic sages roughly knew about the various stages
described by embryology. For example, they have given the name kalal to
a one month old fetus (intrauterine age), in which the fetus is still in
a semisolid state. During the first three months, fetal growth organs are
only in a stage of formation. Thus, ayurved suggests a wholesome diet and
moderate household work for the mother during this period. In the
fourth month, the formation of fetal dhatu (tissues) starts and thus ayurved suggests
a diet to boost this dhatu formation, which is the origin of the next chain
of dhatu. In the fifth month, rakta (blood) and mansa (muscles)
are formed; in sixth month, med (fatty tissue) is formed and around
the seventh month, fetal growth is practically complete, after which
only refining work remains.
It is for this reason that ayurved suggests a satvagun
yukta diet, which is a diet rich in ghee, milk, proteins, green
leafy vegetables, fruits, etc. This type of diet is useful for fetal
growth, for maternal health and for further lactation. Ayurved also
says that pregnancy is the time to consume nutritional food substances
like udid dal (phaseolus radiatu s), amla (emblica
officinalis), etc. Modern science says that a pregnant lady should take
a high protein diet in addition to vitamins and minerals. The above
mentioned ayurvedic dietary plan matches this modern dietary
thought. By the sixth or the seventh month, fetal organs are well formed,
well organized, and they also acquire strength. Updhatu like skin,
hair and nails also enter the picture. Hence, this is the month
when medicated ghee is recommended.
Ayurved also says that a garbhini (pregnant
woman) should avoid constipation and should take mild laxatives if
constipation is a problem. A garbhini can take oil enema for hard stools.
In addition to this, it recommends that a garbhini should eat
only home made food to avoid food poisoning. She should sleep in a
secured place in the house to avoid trouble from notorious supernatural
powers such as bhut-khet, pretatma, samandh, pishachcha, vetal (evil
spirits, devils, ghosts,) etc. A garbhini should use loose clothes which will
keep her comfortable. A few other activities like going out of the
house without a justifiable reason, talking to unknown people, looking at
things which create fear in the mind and strenuous physical activities are
to be avoided. Consuming milk and milk products is recommended. A garbhini
who is weak, multi-para or has previous history of abortion, is
advised to take a non vegetarian diet.
Herbs supporting dhatu (tissues) are shatavari
(asparagus racemosus), ashwagandha (withania somnifera), bala,
white musali, salam musali and kapikachchu. Today we get
readymade ayurvedic tonic formulas such as shatavari compound,
and chyavan prash which are good for garbhini. Agaru and
chandan (sandalwood) powders are recommended to keep the mind
fresh and happy and are used only for external application to the skin.
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