Ayurvedic support during pregnancy

 

Demand for nutrients and energy increase during pregnancy and insufficient nutrient intake can harm both mother and the developing child. Ayurvedic measures help to overcome the nutritional deficiencies and promote normal delivery and healthy life to pregnant women and fetuses. 

 

Daily Nutritional requirement for pregnant women

MALNUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY

• It occurs when the mother consumes food with less calories whereas the demand of energy requirement of the body is high.

• Continuous nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are the major reasons for malnutrition.

• It leads to intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weights. It increases the chances of brain damage, premature death, still birth, disorders of circulatory, digestive, respiratory and nervous system of the fetus.

• Malnutritional mother is prone to Anemia, fatigue, lethargy and infection.

MICRO-NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY DURING PREGNANCY

• It arises when the mother consumes enough calories but the food that is consumed doesn’t contain specific micro-nutrients that are needed to maintain the mother’s health and the fetus development. Micro-nutrients are needed in very small quantities but are very essential. Deficiencies of Vitamin A, Iron, Iodine and Folate are particularly common during pregnancy.

• Iron deficiency can cause Anemia during pregnancy.

• Folic acid deficiency leads to neural tube defects in the fetus.

• Vitamin A deficiency leads to maternal anemia and increases maternal mortality and has many adverse effects on the fetus.

• Vitamin K deficiency can lead to excessive blood loss during delivery.

• Magnesium deficiency causes muscle cramp in pregnant women.

• Iodine deficiency leads to maternal and fetal hypothyroidism, congenital anomalies, miscarriage, still birth etc.

• Zinc deficiency leads to rupture of amniotic sac, preterm labor or neural tube defects.
  

TRIMESTERS

    First Trimester

• Combination of Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Draksha (Resins) and Sugar are good for nausea and vomiting.

• Amalaki is used as a Folic acid supplement and supports hormones during pregnancy.

• Shatavari (Asparagus) is a good choice during pregnancy. It is a rich source of B complex, B9, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Vitamin A.

• Tender coconut water hydrates the body and replaces lost electrolytes from morning sickness.

• Fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk are beneficial for the entire period of pregnancy.

• Avoid Almonds and Dates during the first trimester.
  

  Second Trimester

• During the second trimester, it’s especially important to include Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D.

• Green leafy vegetables such as Spinach, Broccoli etc. 

•  Include fruits and Vegetables like Carrots.  
  
  
• Dry fruits and Jaggery are good in this trimester.

     Third Trimester

• Include more fruits and vegetables in the diet. 

• An Ayurvedic medicated ghee named Sukhaprasavaghritham is good for the health of both mother  and baby and it facilitates normal and easy delivery.
  

• Drink plenty of water.  

   

  Commonly used Herbs during pregnancy
  

  Gestational diabetes, Iron deficiency anemia, High blood pressure, fetal problems, anxiety and depression, miscarriage, placental abruption, Infection etc. may occur during pregnancy. Ayurveda recommends certain herbs during pregnancy. They help to prevent and cure certain health problems.

  

  A gentle and soothing oil massage using Dhanwantharam thailam (without undue pressure) to the body is good during pregnancy. It provides relief from skin dryness, tiredness, pain and disturbed sleep. Try to avoid oil massage during the first trimester.