Have you reached that wonderful stage in your life where you are about to bring a new life into this world? Then get ready to face the challenges that your body, mind and spirit will face. Here are a few dos and don’ts followed by ayurveda to overcome the challenges posed to you and some Ayurvedic practices that can lead to a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Ayurveda Tips for Pregnancy
During this every cell in the mother’s body is rejuvenated and undergoes transformation. If not taken good care of during that phase, mothers can suffer tremendously post pregnancy. Here are a few tips as per ayurveda on how an expecting mother can care for herself.
Pregnancy Diet
When a mother is expecting she is supposed to eat freshly cooked plant-based food as per ayurveda. Green vegetables and fruits are mandatory as they help in maintaining the health of both mother and child. It is expected that she should not consume foods that are high in oil and spice content as that can affect the metabolism of the mother and ultimately affect the child. To maintain the perfect energy level of the mother, she should balance her sweet, salt and savoury food intake. The most important thing to remember here is that a mother should have a well-balanced diet and eat what she naturally desires, taking care to eat plenty of vegetables, proteins, healthy starch and healthy oils like ghee, olive and coconut oil.
Vata Balance
For overall well-being during pregnancy a mother has to ensure that her vata is balanced. This can be achieved with eating a balanced diet that comprises freshly cooked food which is plant-based, whole grains or sprouted grains. Processed food should be avoided. Other foods to avoid are spicy & oily food, undercooked food, raw greens and artificial flavours, preservatives and chemical additives. The most important thing for a mother to remember is that she is eating for two.
Balance of Taste
The taste balance should be well-maintained. In fact, she should remember that emphasising a bit more on sweet taste is going to do her baby good. It is sattvic for her baby. This means that she should eat more sprouted bread made without oil, whole grains, rice, fruits and healthy starches like potatoes, cooked beets, quinoa and carrots. Warm vat-pasteurised , non-homogenised milk is good. Ghee from grass-fed cows is best. A warm cup of milk with a teaspoon of ghee twice daily boosts the immunity and complexion of the child.
Oil Massages
This is extremely important because it helps balance the microbiology on the skin and calms the sensory nervous system keeping the mother calm and at peace. This is known as Abhyanga. For this sesame seed oil can be used and while massaging, long circular strokes should be done on the joints. The abdomen should also gently be massaged. Post-massage, a warm bath boosts circulation. After the 4th month, the nipples should also be massaged.
Conquering Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is an issue that almost every mother battles during this time. To avoid it:
- Take pinches of roasted cardamom powder all throughout the day.
- Feed on dry crackers or toast from time to time to avoid keeping an empty stomach.
- Partake of a kapha-reducing diet.
- The sleeping position should be taken care of; it should be a semi-reclined position.
- Regular exercises like walking for 30 minutes are a must
Final Word
Therefore, such Ayurvedic practices can lead to a healthy and safe pregnancy. When all this is religiously followed, half the challenges posed by impending motherhood are taken care of. The rest can be conquered with self-love and compassion for oneself.
Also Read: Cow Or Buffalo; Which Milk Is Better For Your Bone Health?
