Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Motherhood is a blessing and is a stage cherished by every woman. A healthy lifestyle from preconception to the intranatal phase is a key to healthy offspring, where nutrition plays a significant role in fetal organogenesis and maternal well-being. Maternal malnutrition leads to increased maternal morbidity and mortality and fetal outcomes like early miscarriages or preterm deliveries. In Ayurveda, the concept of Garbha Samskara, Garbhini Paricharya involves following rules and regimens coined under the term Pathya-apathya. The role of Ahara rasa begins from the time of conception as explained in Garbha sambhava samagri, Rasaja bhava in Garbhakarashad Bhavas, and in Garbhini avastha as Garbhini paricharya. Any Apathya in the form of Ahara- vihara followed by Garbhini can cause Garbhopaghata, which acts as Garbhasrava nidana. The motive is to attain a ‘Shreyasi praja, ’ Paripurnata, Anupaghata, and Sukhaprasava. Hence, following the proper Pathya-apathya and Nidana parivarjana helps to avoid complications and achieve a fruitful pregnancy and progeny. Acharyas explain Masanumasika Pathya, Garbhopaghatakara Bhavas and Garbhasthapaka Dravyas that are crucial in antenatal care and involve various regimens to be used and avoided. During pregnancy, the nutrient demand increases; thus, the concept is “to eat better, not more”. During pregnancy, medications act as Garbhopaghataka; hence, supplementing necessary nutrition through Ahara should be the first preference.
Authors: Anusha M, Pratheeksha M, Ankitha M
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4411966290