Pre-natal Samskaras (जन्मात्पूर्वसंस्काराः) - Revision history

DrDevashree: /* गर्भिण्यां मानसस्वास्थ्यम्॥ Psychological dimensions of prenatal care (Mental health of a pregnant woman) */

2022-05-06T13:09:26Z

गर्भिण्यां मानसस्वास्थ्यम्॥ Psychological dimensions of prenatal care (Mental health of a pregnant woman)

DrDevashree: /* गर्भोपघातकराः भावाः ॥ Contra indications during pregnancy */

2022-05-06T13:08:25Z

गर्भोपघातकराः भावाः ॥ Contra indications during pregnancy

DrDevashree: /* Garbhasamskara or Kshetrasamskara */

2022-05-06T13:07:41Z

Garbhasamskara or Kshetrasamskara

DrDevashree at 13:06, 6 May 2022

2022-05-06T13:06:15Z

DrDevashree at 12:50, 6 May 2022

2022-05-06T12:50:22Z

DrDevashree at 12:48, 6 May 2022

2022-05-06T12:48:57Z

Show changes

DrDevashree: /* Contra indications during pregnancy (garbhopaghatakara bhava) */

2022-05-06T08:30:45Z

Contra indications during pregnancy (garbhopaghatakara bhava)

DrDevashree: /* Garbhini paricharya according to Ayurveda (Pre-natal regime) */

2022-05-04T12:08:16Z

Garbhini paricharya according to Ayurveda (Pre-natal regime)

DrDevashree: Added content

2022-04-29T11:56:38Z

Added content

Fordharma: Added content

2022-04-19T16:38:06Z

Added content

@@ Line 200: / Line 200: @@
 Such practices are known as Daivavyapashraya [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|Chikitsa]] (a type of treatment measure that includes use of gems, sacred threads, chanting mantras etc). Such practices although described in ancient scriptures are not practiced widely in today's time. It could be because of development of western medical science, lack of experts in specific tantras required to practice such traditions and disbelief in occult practices rampant as culture in ancient bharata. However newer insights in preventive antenatal care can be obtained if clinical studies are conducted on these methods.
-== गर्भिण्यां मानसस्वास्थ्यम्॥ Psychological dimensions of prenatal care (Mental health of a pregnant woman) ==
+=== गर्भिण्यां मानसस्वास्थ्यम्॥ Psychological dimensions of prenatal care (Mental health of a pregnant woman) ===
 Ayurveda acharyas have deeply discussed about the mind set of a pregnant woman, her emotions, desires and their effect on her pregnancy and baby. They have put forward their findings and opinions about how a pregnant woman should carry herself psychologically in this delicate phase of pregnancy. The ultimate well-being of mother and child is dependent on mother's psyche, emotins, thoughts and behavior. Thus she is advised to try to maintain her overall attitude and behavior in a particular manner so as to get the best pregnancy outcomes. The guidelines are as below,<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 3)</ref>
@@ Line 212: / Line 212: @@
 * She should be well behaved with everyone.
-== Social dimensions of prenatal care ==
+=== Social dimensions of prenatal care ===
 Social dimensions of prenatal care include how an interaction or communication between a pregnant woman and people around her should be in order to get the best pregnancy outcomes. Ayurveda acharyas have also intricately discussed about structure of the room for the pregnant woman. <ref name=":3" /> <ref name=":4" /> <ref>Kashyapa Samhita (Sharirasthana Adhyaya 5 Sutra 14)</ref>
-=== गर्भिणीधर्मः॥ Behavior of a pregnant woman ===
+==== गर्भिणीधर्मः॥ Behavior of a pregnant woman ====
 * She should offer prayers and pay respect to devatas, guru, brahmanas. Respecting and treating elders in good manner is recommended.
@@ Line 222: / Line 222: @@
 * She should be well behaved with everyone.
-=== गर्भिणीपतिधर्माः ॥ Behavior of husband and attendants ===
+==== गर्भिणीपतिधर्माः ॥ Behavior of husband and attendants ====
 * The husband, family members and servants should have an affectionate and gentle behavior towards a pregnant woman. They should avoid talks that generate anger, fear or stress in a pregnant woman.
 * The desires of a pregnant woman which are valid and wholesome should be fulfilled by her husband and other members.
-=== गर्भिणीगृहरचना॥ Room settings ===
+==== गर्भिणीगृहरचना॥ Room settings ====
 A pregnant woman is advised to follow certain rules related to her daily activities which includes avoiding certain places and some restrictions on her physical activities. Considering these (already discussed in previous sections) the room of a pregnant woman should have certain elements deliberately employed taking into account the pregnancy state. These elements are as below,

@@ Line 163: / Line 163: @@
 Ayurveda points out the diet and lifestyle of a pregnant woman which can prove harmful for her health as well as baby's health if she adopts it during pregnancy. These factors are known as Garbhopaghatakara bhavas. (Garbha-baby in womb, Upaghatakara-harmful/damaging, bhavas-factors) It can be seen that such faulty practices can not just cause harm to the health of baby and mother but also have potential to cause abortions, premature births and even intra-uterine deaths.
-=== प्रतिषिद्धः आहारः॥ Diet to be avoided ===
+==== प्रतिषिद्धः आहारः॥ Diet to be avoided ====
 Following diet should be avoided by an expectant mother to ensure the well-being of mother and baby. <ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutra 18)</ref> <ref name=":3">Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 3)</ref> <ref name=":4">Ashtanga Hrudaya (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 43-44 )</ref>
 * अतिगुरुउष्णतीक्ष्ण - Excessive heavy to digest, hot and pungent substances
@@ Line 177: / Line 177: @@
 * Food items that cause burning sensation or substances that are sour in taste, garlic, onion, yam (surana) pulses etc can cause gastric disturbances in a pregnant woman and thus can lead to ill health in some pregnant ladies. Hence these should be consumed cautiously and best avoided when the intolerance or allergy to these substances in known.
-=== प्रतिषिद्धः विहारः॥ Activities to be avoided ===
+==== प्रतिषिद्धः विहारः॥ Activities to be avoided ====
 Along with the diet mentioned in previous section, following activities of a pregnant woman can also prove potentially harmful for her health as well as baby's health. Thus following activities should be avoided for best pregnancy outcomes. <ref name=":2" /> <ref name=":3" /> <ref name=":4" /> <ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sharira Sthana Adhyaya 2 Sutra 60)</ref>

@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 According to Saunaka, Pumsavana rite should be repeated in every conception, because by touching and feeding, the foetus becomes purified ; moreover by the force of the mantras uttered in this Samkara, one obtains the "memory of the past lives. So, it is prescribed in every conception.<ref name=":12" />
-In the Mitaksara on the Yajnavalkya, we find an eliminating tendency where Vijnanesvara says, “These Pumsavana and Simanta being, Ksetra Samskaras should be performed only once.”<ref name=":12" />
+In the Mitaksara on the Yajnavalkya, we find an eliminating tendency where Vijnanesvara says, “These Pumsavana and Simanta being, Ksetra Samskaras should be performed only once.”<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>Also read [[Suprajanana Samskara (सुप्रजनन संस्कारः)]]</blockquote>
 === गर्भिणीधर्माः ॥ Rules for the Expectant Mother ===

@@ Line 113: / Line 113: @@
 The first and foremost duty of the husband was to fulfil the wishes of his pregnant wife. <blockquote>गर्भिणीवाञ्छितं द्रव्यं तस्यै दद्याद्यथोचितम् । सूते चिरायुषं पुत्रमन्यथा दोषमर्हति इति ॥ (Sams. Ratn. 2.2)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>According to Yajnavalkya, <blockquote>दौहृदस्याप्रदानेन गर्भो दोषं अवाप्नुयात् । वैरूप्यं मरणं वापि तस्मात्कार्यं प्रियं स्त्रियाः । । ३.७९ । (Yajn. Smrt. 3.76)<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Adhyaya 3 Prayaschitta])</ref></blockquote>By not meeting the wishes of a pregnant woman, foetus becomes unhealthy ; it is either deformed or miscarried. Therefore, one should do as desired by her.<ref name=":13" /> As per Kalavidhi text,<blockquote>क्षौरं शवानुगमनं नखकृन्तनं च युद्धं च वास्तुकरणं त्वतिदूरयानम् ।उद्वाहमौ(औ)पनयनं जलधेर्वगाह आयुष्क्षयो भवति गर्भिणिकापतीनाम् इति ॥</blockquote>The husband after the sixth month of her pregnancy, should avoid cropping hair and nails, going in a funeral procession, participating in a war, building a new house, going abroad, marriage or Upanayana in the family, and bathing in the sea, as it would shorten the life of the husband of a pregnant woman.”<ref name=":13" />
-== Garbhini paricharya according to Ayurveda (Pre-natal regime) ==
+== आयुर्वेदे गर्भिणीपरिचर्या ॥ Pre-natal regime practiced in Ayurveda ==
 Ayurveda scholars have proposed a nine monthly diet plan and a specific month-wise regime for an expectant mother. This is known as Garbhini paricharya. It is based on the growth of the fetus in the womb and at the same time ensures health of the mother at that stage of pregnancy. It is also designed in a way so as to safeguard the future health of mother and baby. Therefore garbhini paricharya refers to the pre-natal care or ante-natal care suggested by Ayurveda.
 The conceived woman is advised to be treated with special care just like a pot filled with oil. As the slightest oscillati on of such a pot causes spilling of the oil, similarly the slightest exertions or excitements to the pregnant woman can initiate adverse pregnancy outcomes.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 22)</ref> Therefore utmost care of the pregnant woman is to be taken. The pregnancy regime described in Ayurveda is as below,
-=== Diet of a pregnant woman ===
+=== गर्भिणीहितकरः आहारः॥ Diet of a pregnant woman ===
 The food consumed by a pregnant woman plays key-role in nourishment of mother as well as child. Ayurveda opines that this food when gets digested is trandformed into 3 main parts. Each of the 3 parts of this food have specific role as below,<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthana Adhyaya 6 Sutra 23)</ref>
@@ Line 160: / Line 160: @@
 |}
-=== गर्भोपघातकराः भावाः Contra indications during pregnancy  ===
+=== गर्भोपघातकराः भावाः ॥ Contra indications during pregnancy ===
 Ayurveda points out the diet and lifestyle of a pregnant woman which can prove harmful for her health as well as baby's health if she adopts it during pregnancy. These factors are known as Garbhopaghatakara bhavas. (Garbha-baby in womb, Upaghatakara-harmful/damaging, bhavas-factors) It can be seen that such faulty practices can not just cause harm to the health of baby and mother but also have potential to cause abortions, premature births and even intra-uterine deaths.
-=== Diet to be avoided ===
+=== प्रतिषिद्धः आहारः॥ Diet to be avoided ===
 Following diet should be avoided by an expectant mother to ensure the well-being of mother and baby. <ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutra 18)</ref> <ref name=":3">Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 3)</ref> <ref name=":4">Ashtanga Hrudaya (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 43-44 )</ref>
 * अतिगुरुउष्णतीक्ष्ण - Excessive heavy to digest, hot and pungent substances
@@ Line 177: / Line 177: @@
 * Food items that cause burning sensation or substances that are sour in taste, garlic, onion, yam (surana) pulses etc can cause gastric disturbances in a pregnant woman and thus can lead to ill health in some pregnant ladies. Hence these should be consumed cautiously and best avoided when the intolerance or allergy to these substances in known.
-=== Activities to be avoided ===
+=== प्रतिषिद्धः विहारः॥ Activities to be avoided ===
 Along with the diet mentioned in previous section, following activities of a pregnant woman can also prove potentially harmful for her health as well as baby's health. Thus following activities should be avoided for best pregnancy outcomes. <ref name=":2" /> <ref name=":3" /> <ref name=":4" /> <ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sharira Sthana Adhyaya 2 Sutra 60)</ref>
@@ Line 192: / Line 192: @@
 * Traditionally it is said that a pregnant woman should watch pictures of white bull or horse daily. These 2 are the symbols of strength, appropriate physical body and charm.
-=== Amulet for pregnant woman ===
+=== गर्भिणीरक्षाविधिः॥ Amulet for pregnant woman ===
 Kashyapa samhita offers knowledge of some methods that are beyond a regular pharmaceutical method of management. These methods are suggested to protect a pregnant mother and baby from evil forces that are beyond understanding of a normal human being but those can trouble the mother & baby and may lead to either premature birth or intra uterine death of a baby. For this few measures have been suggested by Acharya Kashyapa that include following things,
@@ Line 200: / Line 200: @@
 Such practices are known as Daivavyapashraya [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|Chikitsa]] (a type of treatment measure that includes use of gems, sacred threads, chanting mantras etc). Such practices although described in ancient scriptures are not practiced widely in today's time. It could be because of development of western medical science, lack of experts in specific tantras required to practice such traditions and disbelief in occult practices rampant as culture in ancient bharata. However newer insights in preventive antenatal care can be obtained if clinical studies are conducted on these methods.
-== Psychological dimensions of prenatal care (Mental health of a pregnant woman) ==
+== गर्भिण्यां मानसस्वास्थ्यम्॥ Psychological dimensions of prenatal care (Mental health of a pregnant woman) ==
 Ayurveda acharyas have deeply discussed about the mind set of a pregnant woman, her emotions, desires and their effect on her pregnancy and baby. They have put forward their findings and opinions about how a pregnant woman should carry herself psychologically in this delicate phase of pregnancy. The ultimate well-being of mother and child is dependent on mother's psyche, emotins, thoughts and behavior. Thus she is advised to try to maintain her overall attitude and behavior in a particular manner so as to get the best pregnancy outcomes. The guidelines are as below,<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 3)</ref>
@@ Line 215: / Line 215: @@
 Social dimensions of prenatal care include how an interaction or communication between a pregnant woman and people around her should be in order to get the best pregnancy outcomes. Ayurveda acharyas have also intricately discussed about structure of the room for the pregnant woman. <ref name=":3" /> <ref name=":4" /> <ref>Kashyapa Samhita (Sharirasthana Adhyaya 5 Sutra 14)</ref>
-=== Behavior of a pregnant woman ===
+=== गर्भिणीधर्मः॥ Behavior of a pregnant woman ===
 * She should offer prayers and pay respect to devatas, guru, brahmanas. Respecting and treating elders in good manner is recommended.
@@ Line 222: / Line 222: @@
 * She should be well behaved with everyone.
-=== Behavior of husband and attendants ===
+=== गर्भिणीपतिधर्माः ॥ Behavior of husband and attendants ===
 * The husband, family members and servants should have an affectionate and gentle behavior towards a pregnant woman. They should avoid talks that generate anger, fear or stress in a pregnant woman.
 * The desires of a pregnant woman which are valid and wholesome should be fulfilled by her husband and other members.
-=== Room settings ===
+=== गर्भिणीगृहरचना॥ Room settings ===
 A pregnant woman is advised to follow certain rules related to her daily activities which includes avoiding certain places and some restrictions on her physical activities. Considering these (already discussed in previous sections) the room of a pregnant woman should have certain elements deliberately employed taking into account the pregnancy state. These elements are as below,

@@ Line 46: / Line 46: @@
 In the Mitaksara on the Yajnavalkya, we find an eliminating tendency where Vijnanesvara says, “These Pumsavana and Simanta being, Ksetra Samskaras should be performed only once.”<ref name=":12" />
-=== '''गर्भिणीधर्माः ॥''' Rules for the Expectant Mother ===
+=== गर्भिणीधर्माः ॥ Rules for the Expectant Mother ===
 In Samskararatnamala we find Kashyapa's advice to Aditi as mentioned in the '''Padmapurana.''' Here find the duties of the expecting mother. A summary is given below.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>नावस्करेषूपविशेन्मुसलोलूखलादिषु । जलं च नावगाहेत शून्यागारं विवर्जयेत् ॥
 वल्मीकं नाधितिष्ठेत न चोद्विग्नमना भवेत् । विलिखेन्न नखैर्भूमिं नाङ्गारेण न भस्मना ॥
@@ Line 110: / Line 110: @@
 Other Nibandhas like Dharmasindhu advocate that a preganant lady should avoid going out or watching an eclipse (Solar or Lunar). She should remain indoors well protecting her womb using Kusha grass or Darbha bed.
-=== '''गर्भिणीपतिधर्माः ॥''' Duties of the Husband ===
+=== गर्भिणीपतिधर्माः ॥ Duties of the Husband ===
 The first and foremost duty of the husband was to fulfil the wishes of his pregnant wife. <blockquote>गर्भिणीवाञ्छितं द्रव्यं तस्यै दद्याद्यथोचितम् । सूते चिरायुषं पुत्रमन्यथा दोषमर्हति इति ॥ (Sams. Ratn. 2.2)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>According to Yajnavalkya, <blockquote>दौहृदस्याप्रदानेन गर्भो दोषं अवाप्नुयात् । वैरूप्यं मरणं वापि तस्मात्कार्यं प्रियं स्त्रियाः । । ३.७९ । (Yajn. Smrt. 3.76)<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Adhyaya 3 Prayaschitta])</ref></blockquote>By not meeting the wishes of a pregnant woman, foetus becomes unhealthy ; it is either deformed or miscarried. Therefore, one should do as desired by her.<ref name=":13" /> As per Kalavidhi text,<blockquote>क्षौरं शवानुगमनं नखकृन्तनं च युद्धं च वास्तुकरणं त्वतिदूरयानम् ।उद्वाहमौ(औ)पनयनं जलधेर्वगाह आयुष्क्षयो भवति गर्भिणिकापतीनाम् इति ॥</blockquote>The husband after the sixth month of her pregnancy, should avoid cropping hair and nails, going in a funeral procession, participating in a war, building a new house, going abroad, marriage or Upanayana in the family, and bathing in the sea, as it would shorten the life of the husband of a pregnant woman.”<ref name=":13" />
@@ Line 222: / Line 222: @@
 * She should be well behaved with everyone.
-=== '''Behavior of husband and attendants:''' ===
+=== Behavior of husband and attendants ===
 * The husband, family members and servants should have an affectionate and gentle behavior towards a pregnant woman. They should avoid talks that generate anger, fear or stress in a pregnant woman.
 * The desires of a pregnant woman which are valid and wholesome should be fulfilled by her husband and other members.
-=== '''Room settings''' ===
+=== Room settings ===
 A pregnant woman is advised to follow certain rules related to her daily activities which includes avoiding certain places and some restrictions on her physical activities. Considering these (already discussed in previous sections) the room of a pregnant woman should have certain elements deliberately employed taking into account the pregnancy state. These elements are as below,

@@ Line 160: / Line 160: @@
 |}
-=== Contra indications during pregnancy (garbhopaghatakara bhava) ===
+=== गर्भोपघातकराः भावाः Contra indications during pregnancy  ===
 === Diet to be avoided ===
-* Excessive heavy to digest, hot and pungent substances [Cha .Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/18]
+* Intoxicating substances like alcoholic drinks
-* Intoxicating substances like wine[Cha .Sa.Sharira Sthana 4/18]
+* Excessive use of meat in diet
-* Excessive use of meat[Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana4/18]
+* Food items that are putrefied, stale, dried (dehydrated) or wet (fermented on the verge of decomposition)
-* Dried up, stale, putrefied and wet food. [Su.Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/3]
+* Food items that cause bloating and constipation
-* Those diet which obstructs body channels (vishtambhi) .[A.Hr.Sharira Sthana 1/44]
+* Food items that cause burning sensation or substances that are sour in taste, garlic, onion, yam (surana) pulses etc can cause gastric disturbances in a pregnant woman and thus can lead to ill health in some pregnant ladies. Hence these should be consumed cautiously and best avoided when the intolerance or allergy to these substances in known.
 === Activities to be avoided ===
+Along with the diet mentioned in previous section, following activities of a pregnant woman can also prove potentially harmful for her health as well as baby's health. Thus following activities should be avoided for best pregnancy outcomes.
 * Harsh or violent activities [Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/18]

@@ Line 114: / Line 114: @@
 == Garbhini paricharya according to Ayurveda (Pre-natal regime) ==
-Ayurveda scholars have proposed a nine monthly diet plan and a specific month-wise regime for an expectant mother which is known as Garbhini paricharya. It is based on the growth of the fetus in the womb and at the same time ensures health of the mother at that stage of pregnancy and also future. Therefore garbhini paricharya refers to the pre-natal care suggested by Ayurveda.
+Ayurveda scholars have proposed a nine monthly diet plan and a specific month-wise regime for an expectant mother. This is known as Garbhini paricharya. It is based on the growth of the fetus in the womb and at the same time ensures health of the mother at that stage of pregnancy. It is also designed in a way so as to safeguard the future health of mother and baby. Therefore garbhini paricharya refers to the pre-natal care or ante-natal care suggested by Ayurveda.
-The conceived woman is advised to be treated with special care just like a pot filled with oil. As the slightest oscillation of such a pot causes spilling of the oil, similarly the slightest exertions or excitements to the pregnant woman can initiate adverse pregnancy outcomes.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 22)</ref> Therefore utmost care of the pregnant woman is to be taken.
+The conceived woman is advised to be treated with special care just like a pot filled with oil. As the slightest oscillati on of such a pot causes spilling of the oil, similarly the slightest exertions or excitements to the pregnant woman can initiate adverse pregnancy outcomes.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 22)</ref> Therefore utmost care of the pregnant woman is to be taken. The pregnancy regime described in Ayurveda is as below,
-=== (TBE) Diet of a pregnant woman ===
+=== Diet of a pregnant woman ===
-The diet (ahara) consumed by the pregnant woman gets transformed into the nutrient fluid (rasa) which is having a threefold action:
+The food consumed by a pregnant woman plays key-role in nourishment of mother as well as child. Ayurveda opines that this food when gets digested is trandformed into 3 main parts. Each of the 3 parts of this food have specific role as below,<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthana Adhyaya 6 Sutra 23)</ref>
-a) Nourishing the body elements of the mother
+# Provides nourishment to mother's body tissues
-b) Providing nourishment to the growing fetus
+Acharya Kashyapa in Kashyapa Samhita has suggested that, whatever diet the pregnant woman consumes becomes congenial to the baby in womb. Thus one should take utmost care while planning diet of a pregnant woman. The diet should be designed considering the digestive strength of the mother, the season, time of the day and area of residence.<ref>Kashyapa Samhita (Sutrasthana Adhyaya 18 Sutra 24-25)</ref> Diet planned considering these points helps to maintain health of mother and baby both and prevents development of diseases.
-c) Helping the formation of breast milk. [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/23]
+The month wise diet for a pregnant woman has been suggested in all the Ayurveda treatises. There are some differences of opinion with regards the selection of food ingredients in different scholars but the widely popular and accepted diet regime has been discussed below.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 sutra 32)</ref> <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthana Adhyaya 10 sutra 4)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3/3 Sutra 11)</ref>'''However it is strongly recommended to consult a nearby [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] to get a customized diet plan and make alterations as per individuals [[Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)|prakrti]] and general health condition.'''
 {| class="wikitable"
 !Month
@@ Line 133: / Line 133: @@
 |-
 |'''1st Month'''
-|•Milk frequently in desired quantity (considering the digestive power and strength)*
+|Sweet in taste, cold in properties and preferably liquid diet is suggested in the first month of pregnancy. Milk can be taken frequently in desired quantity as per one's digestive capacity. The women who dislike milk or have intolerance to milk can be suggested some alternative aby a vaidya considering the basic objective and health status of the woman. Medicated clarified butter extracted from milk is also very much beneficial in this month to be consumed by a pregnant woman. Some acharyas have also suggested to take honey mixed with butter and sweetened milk.
 |-
 |'''2nd month'''
-|•Milk medicated with sweet (madhura)herbs*
+|The diet from first month is to be continued with little change. The milk to be consumed is advised to be medicated with the herbs having sweet [[Rasa (रसः)|rasa]] (taste). The specific herbs have been listed in literature.
 |-
 |'''3rd month'''
-|•Milk with honey and ghee*
+|In the third month diet becomes little more nourishing and heavy. The milk should be taken mixed with honey and ghee. The rice of shashtika variety well cooked and then mixed with milk is to be taken. Some scholars also recommend consumption of Krishara (preparation like khichadi made with rice and pulses).
 |-
 |'''4th month'''
-|•Milk with 12 gm(one aksha) of butter.*
+|In this month other milk derivatives like butter and curd are recommended. Milk is to taken with significant amount of butter. The quantity of butter mentioned in treatises is somewhat near 12 gms but in today's time according to digestive and physical strength of the expecting mother the quantity can be revised. Cooked rice with curd is also beneficial
 |-
 |'''5th Month'''
-|•Ghee prepared with butter extracted from milk.*
+|Various preparations of rice like rice gruel, kheer/payasam (traditional preparation of sweetened milk and cooked rice) or simple cooked rice mixed with milk, ghee and meat of specific qualities is recommended in this month. Ghee prepared from butter which is directly obtained from milk is known to be beneficial in this month.
 |-
 |'''6th Month'''
-|•Ghee prepared from milk (ksheerasarpi) medicated with the herbs of madhura group*
+|A specific recipe of ghee which should be consumed in this month has been given. The milk should be medicated with few herbs having sweet rasa (taste). The ghee should be extracted from such a medicated milk. It is called as ksheerasarpi. Rice gruel which should be taken in this month should be medicated with herbs like Gokshura (Tribulus terestris).
 |-
 |'''7th month'''
-|•Ghee prepared from milk (ksheerasarpi)medicated with the herbs of madhura group*
+|Ghee similar to the one taken in 6th month i.e. ksheerasarpi is to be consumed. The ghee medicated with certain group of herbs is beneficial. (Your Vaidya can guide you select the ghee).
 |-
 |'''8th month'''
-|•Rice gruel prepared with milk and mixed with ghee.*
+|Rice gruel mixed with unctuous substances like ghee and soup of wild meat is recommended. For vegetarians rice gruel can be prepared with milk abd ghee can be later added to it. Briefly, a woman is advised to take sufficient good fats into diet. Certain traditional sweet desserts can also be consumed in a controlled manner considering other aspects like digestive strength, weight etc.
 |-
 |'''9th month'''
-|•Meat soup with cooked rice and fat (preferably ghee), rice gruel mixed with large quantity of fat.***
+|Rice gruel and Meat soup are the two preferable diets in this month. Those can be taken together. Sufficient amount of ghee should be added to the preparations. Use of different types of cereals is also suggested by some acharyas.
 |}

@@ Line 111: / Line 111: @@
 === '''गर्भिणीपतिधर्माः ॥''' Duties of the Husband ===
-The first and foremost duty of the husband was to fulfil the wishes of his pregnant wife. <blockquote>गर्भिणीवाञ्छितं द्रव्यं तस्यै दद्याद्यथोचितम् । सूते चिरायुषं पुत्रमन्यथा दोषमर्हति इति ॥ (Sams. Ratn. 2.2)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>According to Yajnavalkya, <blockquote>दौहृदस्याप्रदानेन गर्भो दोषं अवाप्नुयात् । वैरूप्यं मरणं वापि तस्मात्कार्यं प्रियं स्त्रियाः । । ३.७९ । (Yajn. Smrt. 3.76)<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Adhyaya 3 Prayaschitta])</ref></blockquote>By not meeting the wishes of a pregnant woman, foetus becomes unhealthy ; it is either deformed or miscarried. Therefore, one should do as desired by her.<ref name=":13" /> As per Kalavidhi text,<blockquote>क्षौरं शवानुगमनं नखकृन्तनं च युद्धं च वास्तुकरणं त्वतिदूरयानम् ।उद्वाहमौ(औ)पनयनं जलधेर्वगाह आयुष्क्षयो भवति गर्भिणिकापतीनाम् इति ॥</blockquote>The husband after the sixth month of her pregnancy, should avoid cropping hair and nails, following a dead person taken for crematory activities, participating in a fight (war), construction activities, travelling to very far off places, performing marriage or Upanayana.”
+The first and foremost duty of the husband was to fulfil the wishes of his pregnant wife. <blockquote>गर्भिणीवाञ्छितं द्रव्यं तस्यै दद्याद्यथोचितम् । सूते चिरायुषं पुत्रमन्यथा दोषमर्हति इति ॥ (Sams. Ratn. 2.2)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>According to Yajnavalkya, <blockquote>दौहृदस्याप्रदानेन गर्भो दोषं अवाप्नुयात् । वैरूप्यं मरणं वापि तस्मात्कार्यं प्रियं स्त्रियाः । । ३.७९ । (Yajn. Smrt. 3.76)<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Adhyaya 3 Prayaschitta])</ref></blockquote>By not meeting the wishes of a pregnant woman, foetus becomes unhealthy ; it is either deformed or miscarried. Therefore, one should do as desired by her.<ref name=":13" /> As per Kalavidhi text,<blockquote>क्षौरं शवानुगमनं नखकृन्तनं च युद्धं च वास्तुकरणं त्वतिदूरयानम् ।उद्वाहमौ(औ)पनयनं जलधेर्वगाह आयुष्क्षयो भवति गर्भिणिकापतीनाम् इति ॥</blockquote>The husband after the sixth month of her pregnancy, should avoid cropping hair and nails, going in a funeral procession, participating in a war, building a new house, going abroad, marriage or Upanayana in the family, and bathing in the sea, as it would shorten the life of the husband of a pregnant woman.”<ref name=":13" />
 == References ==
 <references />
 [[Category:Samskaras]]