Dr. Mahesh Bhare

Pregnancy and childbirth are matters of great importance in a woman’s life. A woman needs to be taken care of and made the centre of attention during this phase. The set of rules that are prescribed in Ayurveda are very important for pregnant women. They give you detailed information about the Vichara (thought process), Vihara (lifestyle) and Ahara (diet) which are recommended to be followed at various stages during the pregnancy period. The general guidelines that are recommended to be followed during pregnancy are:

Do's

1. Maintain a healthy, mild, easy to digest diet
2. Keep your food timings regular
3. Keep your mental health constant and keep yourself happy

Don'ts

1. Avoid foods that are spicy or contain too much oil
2. Do not engage in sexual intercourse, intense work out regimen during pregnancy
3. Try to avoid negative feelings and general feelings of discontent
4. Do not cover your abdomen with heavy blankets
5. While wearing your clothes, do not tie tight knots over your abdomen
6. Do not change sides during your sleep without getting up
7. Avoid sleeping on your back and sleep on your sides

In Ayurveda, the guidelines to a healthy pregnancy are given in accordance to months.

1. First month: A mixture of natural supplements such as khajoor, draksha, vijari and manooka are taken with milk. This mixture is consumed through most of the time. In the first twelve days of pregnancy, drink a mixture of ‘Salaparni’ herb with milk. This mixture should be made in a vessel of precious metal (silver or gold). Also, avoid getting massages during this time and delay that until your fifth month.
2. Second month: The mixture of the natural supplements with milk is continued.
3. Thrid month: Drink the above supplements with milk, honey and ghee.
4. Fourth month: The same mixture is consumed with milk and honey,but the ghee should be replaced with butter.
5. Fifth month: The supplements are continued and along with it, gentle oil massage is started. Take bath with lukewarm water every day and continue this regimen until delivery.
6. Sixth month: The fifth month regime is continued
7. Seveth month: An itchy and burning sensation on the breast and stomach may be felt during this time as the foetus grows in size. It is recommended to eat in small quantities, have sweet things with ghee or oil to make it easy to digest. Salt intake should be kept at a minimum. Avoid drinking water right after a meal.
8. Eighth month: Rice is made into a paste and is consumed with milk and ghee.
9. Ninth month: The eighth month diet should be followed along with oil massages. Massage oil on your belly and genital areas. Hygiene should be maintained to avoid infections. Lubricate your vagina with a cotton ball dipped in oil to provide a smooth passage when the baby is born. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an ayurveda and ask a free question.