Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey marked by anticipation, excitement, and profound transformations. It's a time when a woman's body undergoes remarkable changes to nurture and sustain the growth of new life. At Elixir Ayurveda, we recognize the importance of providing comprehensive prenatal care that not only supports the mother's well-being but also fosters the optimal development of the baby. Our approach to prenatal care is deeply rooted in Kerala Ayurveda, a traditional healing system renowned for its holistic principles and gentle therapies.
Understanding Garbhini Paricharya: The Ayurvedic Approach to Prenatal Care
In Ayurveda, prenatal care is known as Garbhini Paricharya, which encompasses a holistic approach to support the health and wellness of both mother and baby during the nine months of pregnancy. Garbhini Paricharya emphasizes the importance of Ahara (food), Vihara (daily activities), yoga, and pranayama to ensure the well-being of the expectant mother and promote the healthy development of the foetus. Ayurvedic texts highlight the significance of caring for the mother before, during, and after pregnancy to optimize maternal and foetal health.
Monthly Dietary Regimen: Nourishing the Mother and Baby
The monthly dietary regimen, known as Masanumasika Paricharya, plays a crucial role in Garbhini Paricharya. It involves a carefully curated diet tailored to each stage of pregnancy to provide essential nutrients for the mother and support the growth and development of the foetus. From the first trimester to the ninth, specific foods and dietary recommendations are prescribed to address the changing needs of both mother and baby.
Let's explore the nutritional guidelines for each month of pregnancy:
First Month:
During the first month of pregnancy, focus on consuming cold milk in small quantities. Opt for foods with sweet (madhura), cooling (sheetha), and liquid qualities to support the initial stages of foetal development.
Second Month:
As the pregnancy progresses into the second month, continue to incorporate cold milk into your diet while adding variety with other liquids such as coconut water and fruit juices. Kanji, a type of gruel, can provide nourishment and hydration during this stage.
Third Month:
In the third month, include honey and ghee (clarified butter) in unequal quantities with milk to support the growing needs of both mother and baby. Consume fruits recommended from the previous month, focusing on sweet and cooling options.
Fourth Month:
As you enter the fourth month of pregnancy, prioritize foods that are easy to digest and nourishing. Milk with butter, rice with curd, and heart-friendly fruits like watermelon, mango, and pomegranate, yellow pumpkin, white pumpkin etc. are ideal choices.
Fifth Month:
During the fifth month, incorporate meat soups, green gram, and fruits with sweet and sour flavors into your diet. Consider adding sandalwood paste mixed with curd and honey for additional nourishment and flavor.
Sixth Month:
As you progress into the sixth month, include ghee, rice, and processed/medicated ghee (sidha ghrutha) in your meals. These foods provide essential nutrients for both mother and baby and help support overall well-being.
Seventh Month:
In the seventh month, opt for ghee processed with sweet drugs (madhura dravya) to enhance flavor and nutritional value. These foods help balance doshas and promote optimal health during the later stages of pregnancy.
Eighth Month:
As the pregnancy nears completion, consume foods that are nourishing and easy to digest. Consider incorporating barley gruel (ksheera yavagu) mixed with ghee and herbal powders like lodhra and pippali mixed with honey for added benefits.
Ninth Month:
In the final month of pregnancy, focus on consuming unctuous cereals and meat soups to provide strength and vitality during labor and delivery. Anuvasana vasthi, an unctuous enema with medicated oil, can be helpful in preparing the body for childbirth.
In the early months of pregnancy, emphasis is placed on consuming cooling and nourishing foods such as cold milk, sweet fruits, and liquid diets to support the formation of healthy tissues and organs in the fetus. As pregnancy progresses, the diet may include nutrient-rich foods like ghee, rice, and meat soups to provide strength and vitality to both mother and baby.
Ayurvedic Therapies for Pregnancy Wellness
In addition to dietary recommendations, Ayurveda offers a range of external therapies to promote relaxation, alleviate discomfort, and support overall pregnancy wellness. Therapeutic massages, such as Abhyanga with suitable oils, help improve circulation, reduce stress, and enhance the mother's sense of well-being. Head massages and shirodhara are particularly beneficial for calming the nervous system and promoting restful sleep, essential for the mother's health during pregnancy.
Preparing for Childbirth: Ayurvedic Practices for Labor and Delivery
As the pregnancy approaches term, Ayurvedic practices are employed to prepare the mother's body for childbirth. Anuvasana Vasti, an unctuous enema with medicated oils, is recommended to facilitate a smooth and natural delivery. This traditional practice helps lubricate the birth canal, reduce discomfort, and promote the downward movement of the baby during labor.
Personalized Care for Every Mother
At Elixir Ayurveda, we understand that every pregnancy is unique, and we tailor our prenatal care approach to meet the individual needs of each expectant mother. Our team of experienced Ayurvedic doctors and therapists provides personalized care and support, guiding mothers through each stage of pregnancy with compassion and expertise.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Motherhood with Ayurveda
Prenatal care is a journey of nurturing, growth, and transformation—a journey that encompasses the profound bond between mother and baby. At Elixir Ayurveda, we are committed to supporting expectant mothers on this sacred journey, offering holistic prenatal care rooted in the timeless wisdom of Kerala Ayurveda. With our comprehensive approach to Garbhini Paricharya, we aim to empower mothers to embrace pregnancy with confidence, vitality, and joy, laying the foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being for both mother and baby.
FAQ’s
Q1. What are the things to be avoided in pregnancy?
• Too much food or less food
• Sitting for long in awkward position or on hard surface
• Sexual intercourse during early and late pregnancy
• Avoid travelling on rough roads
• Avoid lifting heavy things
• Tight clothes and belts that put pressure on the abdomen should be avoided
Q2. How to deal with morning sickness?
• Juice of ginger can be taken along with lukewarm water
• Small pinches of powdered cardamom throughout the day
Q3. What is the importance of doing panchakarma before planning to have a baby?
Physical as well as mental status of both partners affects a lot to the baby. Therefore before planning for a child one must ensure the normalcy of doshas and dhathus to get health shukra (sperm) and healthy beeja (ovum)
Q4. What type of food should be avoided during pregnancy?
Foods with artificial flavours,preservatives,foods that are too hot and spicy,pizza,burger,noodles,all junk foods should be avoided.
Q5. How to perform pranayama during pregnancy?
Anuloma viloma pranayama(inhale through left nostril and exhale through right nostril and vice versa)
• Strengthens the body mentally and physically
• It helps in holding the breath for maximum duration which helps for pushing during labour.
• It supplies more oxygen to the body and thus more oxygen is transferred to the foetus
