Pregnancy is considered to be one of the happiest times in a mother’s life. Doctors say that a happy and healthy pregnant woman gives birth to a happy and a healthy baby. Therefore, utmost care is required from the very first month of pregnancy till the delivery of the baby. In Ayurveda, pregnant women are known as Dvauhridi (dual heart). The growing fetus inside the womb needs not just nutrition but total care. To know more about it, we spoke to our ayurvedic expert, Dr. P. V. Ranganayakulu, PhD in History of Ayurveda and he says, “Ayurveda has described extensive methodologies for a healthy mother and baby. For the better development of the fetus, good nutrition and salubrious environment for the mother is important. Ayurveda has described a schedule to be followed by a mother for an intelligent and healthy child”.
Dr. Ranganayakulu further says that mothers should be healthy in all respects. The blood should be enriched with all nutrients and natural molecules that are essential. Special care has to be taken to prevent preeclampsia (characterized by high blood pressure, fluid retention and protein in urine) and eclampsia. Therefore, here are some herbs and tips as explained by our expert, that will help the mother cope up with the growing nutritional needs.
From 3rd to end of 9th month
To be consumed everyday with milk
- Asparagus (Shatavari) and gooseberry (Amalaki) powder 2 gm each
- Winter cherry (ashwagandha) 1 gm
- Iron Calx (Mandura Bhasma) 1 gm
From 6th to end of 8th month
- To be consumed twice everyday: Dragon weed powder (Gokshura) 1 gm
- To be consumed once a day with honey: Oyster shell ash (Shukti Bhasma) 0.5 gm
- To be consumed twice a day with water: Powder of Indian spikenard (Jatamansi) 1gm, Consume meat soup during 4th and 5th months, for nausea and vomiting, occasionally consume cardamom powder with honey or 1gm coriander powder with sugar and pregnant women are advised to eat ripe papaya fruit and not the unripe one.
Although these herbs are safe to use, it is always recommended to consult a doctor in advance. During the tenure of pregnancy, the mother should be exposed to soothing music. She can even learn and practice music herself. Apart from this, any sudden jerk, fall, slip and even domestic violence is very harmful to the fetus. Thus, if a woman is pregnant, keep her happy and safe.
