Pregnancy

As we are protective of our pregnant mothers and their growing babies, we ask you to always check with your primary doctor before taking any new herbs or supplements. According to Ayurveda, being pregnant is like medicine for the mother. It triggers a whole set of healing responses to thus provide the ideal environment for your baby to be healthy. The best way to meet health goals during pregnancy is through food (what/when/how you eat), gentle exercise and/or yoga, stress relief practices, and a positive attitude. Please consider scheduling an Ayurvedic consult for personalized recommendations to support you through your pregnancy.

Contraindicated: Do not cleanse while pregnant or lactating. Please discuss any herbs or supplements you are considering taking while pregnant or lactating with your primary care physician.

Ten Ayurvedic Pregnancy Tips article:

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According to Ayurveda, pregnancy and delivery can be the most rejuvenating experience of a women’s life, during which every cell of the mother’s body can be transformed. Unfortunately, in the west we did not get that memo and mothers often pay dearly with health concerns after a … [click here to read on]

More on Pregnancy from an Ayurvedic Perspective:

In general, your diet and daily routine should promote a balancing effect for Vata dosha unless otherwise prescribed by your physician.

Diet

The most important advice is to eat what you naturally desire. Favor a well-balanced list with adequate protein (including lentils or moong dal beans for vegetarians) and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget you are eating for two physiologies: yours and your future baby’s. If you feel an unusual craving it may be from your future baby’s unique needs, which may be different from your own. So during pregnancy, women should not adhere strictly to an Ayurvedic diet based on their own body type. Honor specific food cravings (in moderation), especially from the fourth month on.

Favor warm, cooked, fresh foods. Avoid leftovers as much as possible.

In general, avoid foods with artificial flavors, preservatives and other chemical additives.

Sweet taste is considered best during pregnancy. This includes all breads, grains, rice and sweet fruits as well as common sweeteners. (Sweet does not mean cookies, cakes and candy as large amounts of refined sugars are NOT recommended).

Avoid hot, spicy foods, large amounts of green leafy vegetables, dried beans and lentils (except Moong dal beans).

Warm Milk and Ghee are considered to be two of the most beneficial foods to include in your diet at this time.

Hot cereals, such as cream of rice, cream of wheat, etc are very good.

If you are experiencing nausea:

Roast cardamom seeds, powder them, and eat a pinch as needed throughout the day.
Snack on dry crackers or toast. Always keep a little food in the stomach.
Temporarily follow the guidelines of the kapha-pacifying diet.
Sip on tea made with ¼ tsp. ginger powder and hot water.
While napping or if you awaken in the early morning, try to sleep the rest of the night in a semi-reclining position rather than flat.
Sip tea made with 1 tsp. fennel seeds steeped in boiling water. This tea can be taken at other times throughout the pregnancy as well.

Behavior

The MOST important principle for you to remember is to be HAPPY.

Your husband or partner needs to give you lots of attention and affection during this time. He/She should avoid being away from home in the evenings as much as possible. His/her job is to keep you happy and to fulfill your desires.

A daily walk of about 30 minutes is the ideal exercise.

Daily oil massage is especially beneficial at this time. In the 8^th and 9^th months spend extra time on the nipples to help prepare them for nursing. Massage your abdomen more gently and lightly throughout the pregnancy.

Have your attention on uplifting subjects and events. (i.e. avoid books, movies, or TV shows with frightening or violent themes.) Be with family or friends as much as possible as to avoid loneliness.

In the 8^th month you should rest at home as much as possible, as this is a delicate time when subtle nutrient fluid called “ojas” is passed between the mother and the baby.