Importance of Ayurvedic Regimen for the pregnant women.

According to ancient philosophers of Ayurveda, Food is the best source of nourishment for the human and so does for the pregnant women as well. Before five thousand years, Ayurvedic physicians were more concerned about the health of the pregnant women and the fetus. as discussed earlier food is the source of nourishment and that is why Ayurvedic physician have suggested unique dietary guideline for the good health of pregnant women and fetus. which changes pursuant to the growth of the fetus in the womb and at the same time considering the health of the mother. which is described as Garbhini Paricharya or antenatal care. Ayurvedic antenatal care refers to Ahara(Dietary guideline), Vihara(Daily routine or activities) and Vichara(Psychological activities) to be followed through out the pregnancy. If the pregnant woman has followed proper Garbhini paricharya it will result in properly developed(Physically, mentally and spiritually developed) child, maintain the health of the mother, The mother will have more strength to face the labor pain and easy postnatal care.

The basic principle of Ayurveda is to maintain health of healthy person and to get rid of the disease from the diseased person. To achieve this goal Ayurvedic scholars have introduced Garbhini Paricharya which helps to maintain health of the pregnant woman. Fetus is totally dependent on mother for the nourishment. That is why it is very much important to have proper nourishment and care through out the pregnancy.The health of the pregnant woman is maintained by following Garbhini Paricharya from the consumption up to delivery. Infect Ayurveda states the Garbhini Paricharya should be started before the consumption, so child can have desired kind of personality.

In Garbhini Paricharya, Ayurvedic sages have suggested diet, daily routine and psychological activities to be followed by a pregnant woman, month by month, from the first month to the ninth month or till delivery. we will learn some basic guidelines.

During the first trimester, The fetus is in formative stage and fetus is nourished by upsnehana , that is why more liquid diet is recommended. like coconut water, milk or fruits juice. Milk is an ideal diet for expectant as it has calcium, lactose, fat, protein and minerals. Also during this period expectant can suffer from nausea which can result in dehydration, so it is advisable to have more liquid diet. Milk has sweet taste and sweet taste has more energy which is required by pregnant woman.

Fetal growth starts during the second trimester, so there is a more need of nutrients and Ayurvedic sages have suggested to use animal products like milk,cheese, and light meat of wild animals. cooked shashtik shali rice is suggested as it has more carbohydrates and energy.

During The third trimester, Medicated Ghee and use of yavagu is good. Yavagu is made from rice, water and some spices.

Expectant should always were loose and comfortable clothes.

Expectant should always live in clean and hygienic environment.

Pregnant women should always be neat,clean and well dressed.

Pregnant woman should always be in happy mood, try to avoid things or activities which can make her unhappy.

Always stay calm and try to listen calming music.

Practice meditation and gentle Pranayama and gentle Asana(Not in third trimester)