Pregnancy is one of the most special times in a women’s life. When you get pregnant it becomes even more important for you to prioritize your health. Following an Ayurvedic lifestyle during your pregnancy is one of the easiest ways to ensure that both you and your baby are at your healthiest. If you are looking for more ideas and tips to maximize your health during pregnancy you can find out more at Mommy Authority.
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A Healthy Diet
One of the most crucial things you can do during your pregnancy is to overhaul your diet. Your diet and nutrition is vital if you want your baby to grow and develop well. Additionally, making changes to your diet will improve the way you feel.
First Trimester
According to Ayurvedic principles the most effective remedies for morning sickness in the first trimester is a liquid diet. This will help to keep your nausea at bay while also ensuring that you stay well nourished and hydrated. A liquid diet is great for when you are dealing with nausea because it is light in your stomach and easily digested. According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, milk is one of the most beneficial sources of nutrition for the early stages of pregnancy. Try drinking a glass of milk with a tablespoon of ghee and honey added to it in the mornings. You can also make yourself a thin porridge from rice to sip on when you are hungry but too nauseous to eat.
Second Trimester
Most practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine will recommend that you switch to a diet that is rich in natural sugars. You will still be continuing to consume a liquid diet. However, instead of only drinking light liquids you will transition into drinking a heavy liquid diet. It is recommended that you drink sweetened milk curds, red rice porridge with milk as well as milk blended with butter. Additionally, from around about 16 week mark, your growing baby will need protein to grow muscle tissue. Try eating a hearty meat soup at night and sip on bone broth during the day.
Third Trimester
During the last three months of your pregnancy, you need to ensure that you consume a diet that is rich in protein as well as fat. A variety of rice soup with ghee, cereals, split Mung bean soup, meat soups and unctuous gruels are considered beneficial during this time. Take the time during your last trimester to nourish your body and rest as much as possible to give your body the opportunity to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
Herbs
The wide plethora of Ayurvedic knowledge indicates that there are a wide variety of herbal remedies that will help to keep you healthy during your pregnancy. These herbal remedies also provide your body with the support needed to grow your baby. Drinking a glass of Ashwagandha herb blended with ghee & milk during early pregnancy is excellent for preparing the growth of your baby’s tissue and organs. Also, Ashwagandha is known for its anxiety-reducing properties. Additionally, you can try Gokshura from the sixth month onwards if you suffer from water retention. Before taking any natural, herbal medication make sure you consult with your doctor first. Other herbs you can try during pregnancy include:
- Centella asiatica (Brahmi)
- Callicarpa macrophylla (Vishwasenkanta)
- Terminalia chebula (Shiva)
- Stereospermum suaveolens (Amogha)
- Picrorhiza kurroa (Arista)
- Asparagus racemosus (Satavirya)
- Bacopa monnieri (Aindri)
Practices
- Taila Abhyanga – If you consult an Ayurvedic doctor during your pregnancy they will probably recommend that you go for Taila Abhyanga. Tailabhyanga is an oil massage that you have weekly from the time you are three months pregnant until you deliver. These massages will help to relieve any pain you may be experiencing. Additionally, they will help to improve the texture and elasticity of your skin.
- Anuvasana Basti – Anuvasana Basti refers to enemas with a medicated oil. The majority of Ayurvedic practitioners will recommend that you have these enemas if you suffer from constipation from the 8th month of pregnancy. Additionally, Anuvasana Basti will help to detox your body and prepare you for delivery.
- Yoni Pichu – this practice involves placing a swab of medicated oil into your vaginal canal on a daily basis from the eighth month of pregnancy onwards. The practice of Yoni Pichu helps to eliminate harmful bacteria from the vaginal canal and prepare your cervix for birth. Additionally, many people who used this technique experience far fewer complications in the postpartum healing process.
General Tips
- Make sure to eat regular meals and avoid fasting.
- Try not to overeat while you are pregnant. Stop eating when your stomach feels 80% full.
- When preparing meals stick to seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables, ghee, milk, milk products, raisins, and food items that are high in protein.
- Avoid foods that have gone stale.
- Do not eat leftovers while you are pregnant.
- If you suffer from severe constipation, you can try a mild herb laxative like Liquorice powder and Rose preparation of Gulkanda with a glassful of milk.
- Try to rest and avoid any strenuous exercise.
- Leave the heavy lifting to someone else. This is especially true during the early first months of your pregnancy.
- Give into your cravings in moderation, especially after the fourth month when the cravings you experience are more likely those of the baby.
- Try not to expose yourself to any stress during your pregnancy. Both mental and physical stress.
- Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable.
- Try to remain positive and maintain a happy and calm disposition.
- Avoid anything that is negative. Do not watch any horror or suspense films. You should also try to avoid engaging in any negative discourse.
- Drink warm, vat-pasteurized non-homogenized milk with ghee that has been made from grass-fed cows. Make sure the milk is heated under 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid eating raw and cooked foods in the same meal.
- Melons and milk should never be consumed together.
- Ice water during or after a meal should be avoided entirely as it causes your digestion to slow down and become sluggish.
