Ayurveda Diet and Lifestyle for Pregnancy

Ayurveda, a holistic way of living, discusses the details of pregnancy under Garbhini Vyakaran. Father to be health too to be taken care as the reproductive tissues are to be nourished well and toxins are flushed out, so that an optimum fertilization can occur.

Pregnant women has to be more careful during the first three months, as it is formative stage and after seventh month i.e, last stage of her pregnancy.

Foetus and mother are attached by a cord called rasvaha nadi (matenal part of the placenta) which helps in carrying the ahararasa-virya (nutrition) from the mother to the foetus It gets nourished by rasa by the process of attracting moisture (upasneha) and osmosis (upasweda) The food intake gets refined until it is transformed to the nutritional eggs and sperms.

Doshas control the mensuration cycle, which should be 26-30 days cycle, 5 days, moderate flow and colour without any clots or discomfort.

Kapha phase is from the end of bleeding until the ovulation, and it builds the endometrium and also restore ths health to body and prepares it for conception.

Pitta phase is from ovulation till period starts. This prepares endometrium for implantation of the egg to be fertilsed and breasts to secrete milk. It is in this phase one under goes a high emotional overload.

Vata phase occurs throughout the period, is. apna vayu regulates the downward movements in the body and it helps in the flow during mensration and also helps during the delivery.

Above ayurvedic concepts clearly explains that if one has to ensure a fertility, then the doshas are to be balanced and normalised. Any imbalance in doshas will lead to problem in conceiving.

It recommends yogic practice and a nutritious diet to calm the doshas thereby strengthening the body and relaxing the mother and thereby indirectly benefiting the baby.

Ayurveda, an age old system of Indian medicine, in its Garbhini Paricharya recommends the following advise about the ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle) and vichara (thought process) to be followed by the pregnant women.

On a regular basis drink milk as it is a chief source of calcium, lactose and butter fat. During the first three months of pregnancy the foetus is nourished by percolation hence a lot of liquid diet like fruit juice, coconut water, milk to be included in diet.

From the seventh month onwards take care to reduce the fat, salt and water in the diet and instead take a lot of rice kanji with ghee.

Cereals are a must - wheat, oats, rye, dried peas, bean sprouts, whole meal bread, lentils, dried peas, chickpeas, soya-beans have an adequate amounts of protein. Fresh vegetables like spinach lettuce, potatoes, celery are must Fruits like apple, banana, and juices of lemon, orange, pineapple to be consumed.

Dried fruits like dates, figs, almonds, grapes are good.Take rice, butter, ghee, food prepared with urad dal and amla, fish and egg are to be included in diet. Avoid fried or over salty and greasy foods.

Sleep in a secured place. Don't travel outside house often, don't indulge in talking to strangers, don't subject yourself to any situation that creates fear in you mind, wear loose clothes so that you are comfortable, do not indulge in a strenuous physical activities, avoid smoking, alcohol and keep yourself away from sex.

Take care to eat lightly i.e, you may eat 6 meals instead of heavy four meals, But you should eat only when you feel hungry and take only home made preparations, avoid any artificial chemicals, preservatives.

Keep yourself cool, calm and collected as it has direct effect on your baby. Use this time to be
grateful to GOD for what all things he has given you in your life and Meditation helps you to be in touch with your real self and travel through the journey of pregnancy which is the very basic craving and enjoyment for every women.