Prenatal development is a critical stage in a woman’s life as she prepares to bring new life into the world. The experience of pregnancy and birth can be daunting, with some women having a relatively smooth journey while others face numerous challenges. Nausea, anemia, bone conditions, and delivery complications are just a few of the potential issues that expecting mothers may encounter.
During these nine months, it is crucial for pregnant women to receive reliable and safe medical care that prioritizes both the mother’s and the baby’s health. Ayurveda, one of the oldest and safest forms of medicinal practices globally, has been widely followed for hundreds of years by millions of people in the subcontinent. Ayurveda’s Strirog-Prasuti Tantra branch focuses specifically on gynecological, female, and pregnancy issues, making it a valuable resource for those seeking prenatal development support.
Here are the ways that an ayurvedic lifestyle can improve the health of both the mother and the unborn baby:
Promoting good digestion
Gastric issues, acid reflux, digestion problems, and heartburn are very common issues in pregnant women. In fact, eight out of ten women statistically report heartburn and nausea during the second trimester.
During prenatal development, it is crucial for pregnant women to take steps to regulate their Vata Dosha, according to Ayurveda. Balancing this Dosha can help alleviate unpleasant symptoms such as gas, constipation, dizziness, nausea, dehydration, and bloating. To achieve this balance, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend consuming a healthy diet that includes plenty of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits and grains. It is also advised to avoid processed or pre-packaged foods and not let the stomach remain empty for extended periods, as this can affect the wind and empty space in the body, which are constituents of Vata.
Reducing stress and anxiety
According to a survey, 20-40% of all pregnant women suffer from stress and anxiety during their carrying terms. This can lead to foetal issues, high-risk deliveries, postpartum depression in the mother after birth, and chronic illnesses in the baby.
In Ayurveda, Sattva is the highest state of being where the persona attains balance and harmony of the mind and the body. Following a sattvic lifestyle by consuming food such as fresh fruits and vegetables (which get their energy from the sun) can help increase mental clarity, peace of mind, positivity and happiness. Additionally, a sattvic diet can significantly reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes, which seems to be a very common condition in pregnant women.
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Abhyanga, the anointing of the entire body with oil, is an important practice in Ayurveda that can aid in prenatal development. By restoring the balance of the doshas, it can promote bone and muscle well-being, which is especially vital during pregnancy.
Regular Abhyanga practice can increase blood circulation to tight muscles, including those in the back and abdomen, which bear the brunt of accommodating the growing baby. This can reduce soreness and water retention, making the experience of pregnancy more comfortable. In addition, Abhyanga stimulates the body’s internal organs, supporting their better functioning and aiding in lymphatic draining. By incorporating Abhyanga into their routine, pregnant women can support their physical well-being and enhance their prenatal development.
Reducing the risk of postpartum issues
Postpartum issues such as infection, excessive bleeding, sepsis, and flare of pre-existing illnesses are very common in mothers in the weeks following the birth of the baby. Balancing your doshas and achieving harmony is extremely crucial in reducing such risk factors. Dashamoolarishtam can boost the immune system, which increases the production of antibodies to help fight off all forms of infection. Further, the antibodies will be passed from the mother’s body to that of the baby through breast milk, which means even the baby will have an increased number of antibodies that help prevent early-onset infections due to environmental factors.
Reducing the risk of heart disease in the baby
As per the National Library of Medicine, defects of the ductus artery, atrial septum and ventricular septum accounts for almost 60% of the overall cases of congenital heart conditions in pregnant women. This means that women with pre-existing congenital heart disorders are more likely to pass it on to their babies.
The holistic approaches of Ayurveda can bring drastic changes in the cardiovascular health of the expecting mother. Several studies have shown that, in some cases, Ayurveda has even managed to cure heart conditions in people. Herbal preparations and prolonged therapeutic practices can intervene with the causative factors of cardiovascular disease and reverse symptoms.
Helping in deep rest
During prenatal development, it is essential for pregnant women to prioritize their mental and physical well-being. Restlessness or discomfort in the mother can directly affect the growing baby, leading to discomfort or an overly active child in the womb. Additionally, mothers may experience complications such as high blood pressure, fluid retention, or spotting during pregnancy.
To promote a healthy prenatal environment, deep meditation or pranayama can be incredibly beneficial. These practices can soothe the mind, regulate the nervous system, and promote good sleeping and resting patterns for the mother. In fact, scientific evidence suggests that in addition to necessary nutrients, good sleep is the most crucial factor in a healthy pregnancy. By prioritizing their mental and physical health through meditation and restful sleep, pregnant women can support both their own well-being and the healthy development of their baby.
Promoting breast milk production
The Shatavari plant, which is commonly found in India, has been shown to promote breast milk production and is therefore extremely important to first-time mothers because a lot of them have problems wherein their bodies do not produce enough milk to satiate the baby, and therefore they have to turn to baby formulas quite early.
Shatavari is an adaptogen which helps establish hormonal homeostasis in the body, promotes postpartum milk production by stimulating the body to produce more prolactin, and significantly reduces stress.
Reducing inflammation and fighting pain
Whether the mother gives birth naturally or through a C-Section, a large part of the postpartum time is spent dealing with pain, swelling and bleeding, which can deplete the mother’s energy, add to her discomfort level and prevent her from properly bonding with the baby.
Certain natural ayurvedic herbal remedies, such as Dashamoolarishtam, can help reduce pain and swelling from the birth. In contrast, others, such as Musta, can significantly decrease postpartum bleeding and, thus, can help the mother heal faster. Such medication is usually administered from the third week of delivery.
A Word of Caution
What you eat, how you move your body and what environmental factors you expose yourself to affect your baby’s development significantly. Therefore, you must consult your doctor before trying new diets or exercises. Therefore, we suggest that you seek help from a licensed medical practitioner before undertaking a new kind of diet and trying prenatal yoga.
Conclusion:
Overall, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to prenatal care that can promote both the physical and mental well-being of the mother and the baby. By balancing the doshas, eating a healthy diet, practicing Abhyanga, and prioritizing mental rest and relaxation, pregnant women can support their prenatal development and enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy experience. If you are interested in learning more about Ayurveda and how it can benefit you during pregnancy, we encourage you to book a consultation with our Ayurveda experts today. Our team of experienced practitioners can offer personalized guidance and support to help you achieve optimal health and wellness during this transformative time.
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