Ayurveda, a science of life, advises that the health of the pregnant women to be taken care, so that she is able to withstand the strain of labour and also give birth to a healthy offspring.
It advises mother-to be, to take certain herbs to be taken during each month of pregnancy. Milk decoction is one among them and it has to be drunk everyday before going to bed. It is prepared by mixing 15gms of the monthly advised herb/200mls milk/800mls water then boil it and reducing it to 1/4th the quantity.
First month
8 flg leaf buds boiled in milk and then strained for three consecutive days. For the rest of the month the milk decoction with Bala (Sida rhombifolia). Guarantees a healthy child
Second month
Milk decoction with the herb Lakshmana (Ipomeoa sepiaria). Sonitamrtam (tonic) is given. Provides energy
Third month
Milk decoction is with Solanum melenginum (Bruhati)
Fourth month
Milk decoction with Desmodium gangeticum (Shaliparni). Prevents intrauterine growth retardation
Fifth month
Milk decoction with Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia)
Sixth month
Milk decoction is with Solanum xanthocarpum (Kantakari).If there is water retention problem then Tribulus Terrestris may be given.
Seventh month
Milk decoction along with Hordeum vulgare(yava). Sukha prasava Ghee is given to pave a way for an easy delivery.
Eight month
Maerua oblongiflia and milk is given. Dhanwantaram 101 or Ksheerabala 101 is taken. Lubricates the reproductive channels in preparation for childbirth
Ninth month
Milk decoction with Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) during this month.
During pregnancy, women may undergo cramps, sleeplessness for which medicated oils like Dhanwantharam, Sahacharadi, Pinda tail are used. This ensures peripheral circulation too.
To have a normal delivery medicated ghee like sukhaprasoothi ghrita is given.Yoga, an ancient tradition of holistic health, is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy, to align body optimally for healthy carriage and natural delivery of baby. It promotes a tranquil state of mind which is very important for the health of the mother and the baby.
The benefits of Yoga asanas along with breathing and relaxation techniques during pregnancy and labor are-
i) Relieves fluid retention which can be common in the last months.
ii) Influences the position of the baby and turning it in advance if need.
iii) Strengthening and massaging the abdomen helps stimulating bowel action and appetite.
iv) Raises the level of energy and helps in slowing down the metabolism to restore focus.
v) Helps in reducing morning sickness, nausea and mood swings.
vi) Relieves tension around cervix and birth canal.
vii) Focuses on opening the pelvis to make labor easier and quicker.
viii) It helps in postal natal care -it restores the uterus, abdomen and pelvic floor
ix) Also it relieves upper back tension and breast discomfort after delivery.
x) It restores body shape after childbirth.
Yoga has 5 vital tools which aids a woman in having smooth journey during pregnancy.
1) Yoga Exercises - These work on the reproductive organs and pelvis to ensure a smooth pregnancy and a relatively easy childbirth. At subtle level, these ensure optimum supply of blood and nutrients to the developing foetus.
2) Breathing or Pranayama - Works on fitness during pregnancy. These powerful techniques ensure abundant supply of oxygen and a better life force for mother and child.
3) Mudras and Bandhas - The psycho-physical stimulation of these gestures and locks have powerful effects on a woman's reproductive organs.
4) Meditation - As a therapeutic tool, meditation will helps to resolve the deepest of neurosis, fears and conflicts, which are so common during pregnancy. It brings with it an incredible awareness which helps mother connect with her child in a way that is impossible to explain.
5) Deep Relaxation - Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep) is particularly effective during pregnancy for physical and mental relaxation as well as for childbirth preparation.