Congratulations! Pregnancy is an incredibly special and important time in a woman’s life, one that should be embraced and celebrated. In some cultures and religions, such as Ayurveda, it is seen as a sacred journey of growth, nurturing, and spiritual connection. As the expecting mother or partner, it is important to take good care of the pregnant woman taking into consideration her physical and mental health. To help guide you during this special time, here are some tips from Ayurveda, India’s ancient holistic healing system.
First, one needs to understand that in Ayurveda, Vata governs all movement—including physical movement and mental activity—in the body. It is important to keep this energy balanced during pregnancy because if it becomes imbalanced, fatigue and stress can occur. It’s especially important to keep vata balanced during pregnancy in order to ensure good health for both mother and baby.
Ayurveda encourages expecting mothers to get plenty of restful sleep during pregnancy. Aim for seven to eight hours each night and consider taking regular naps throughout the day when possible - particularly in your last trimester, as this is a crucial time when an important connection with your baby can be established through immunity strengthening between mother and child. Adhering to this helps ensure your body has enough energy reserves while keeping both you and your baby healthy.
Ayurveda recommends eating light and healthy foods during pregnancy such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, dairy products (if tolerated), herbs, spices, and teas. It is important to avoid processed foods high in sugar and fat as these can be harmful to the mother’s health. Eating smaller meals more frequently can also help keep nausea at bay and can help reduce acidity. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Herbal teas are excellent for nourishing your body during pregnancy due to their gentle yet powerful healing properties. Ayurvedic teas made from ingredients such as ginger root, chamomile flowers or fennel seeds all have calming effects on the digestive system while helping with digestion and providing energy throughout the day. Drinking herbal tea regularly is also beneficial for aiding sleep if insomnia becomes an issue later in pregnancy.
According to Ayurveda, it is essential for the mother’s mind to remain at peace while pregnant in order for both mother and child to remain healthy throughout the pregnancy. This means avoiding worrying about what might go wrong during the pregnancy or focusing too much on the future, instead of enjoying each moment as it comes. It also means being mindful of conversations with family members or friends who may be prone to speaking negatively or pessimistically.
Yoga and meditation can be very beneficial for both expectant mothers and partners alike during this special time. Yoga helps build strength in your body while connecting mindfully with your baby-to-be while meditation helps ease stress levels providing a sense of calmness that will benefit you both in the long run.
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic “massage” technique where oil (usually sesame oil) is applied to the skin while focusing on specific areas that need attention. During pregnancy, abhyanga helps calm vata by promoting healthy circulation throughout the body and soothes aches and pains associated with childbirth. Abhyanga also helps relax tense muscles which can cause discomfort during labor or delivery. Additionally, abhyanga helps regulate hormone levels which are key for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
It’s important to note that when using abhyanga during pregnancy you should always consult your doctor first before engaging in this type of technique, as there may be certain conditions or contraindications that would make it unsafe for you or your baby. Additionally, some oils may not be safe when pregnant so you should always research what oils are considered safe prior to use (e.g., coconut oil).
Pregnancy is an amazing journey that should be embraced with open arms! As we shared, Ayurveda has many tips that will help you take care of yourself or your partner during this special time such as eating healthy light foods, practicing yoga/meditation, enjoying abhyanga, and drinking herbal tea which all provide great benefits for pregnant women. With these tips from Ayurveda in mind, enjoy this magical journey!
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.