International Journal of Innovation and Research in Educational Sciences

Volume 4, Issue 2, ISSN (Online): 2349–5219

Month wise Diet Regimen in Pregnancy

Dr. Sujata K. Shamkuwar Dr. Pratibha Baghel Dr. M.B. Pillewan
Lecturer, Department of Prasutitantra evum Lecturer, Department of Kriya sharir, Professor, Department of Basic Principle,
stree roga, Faculty of Ayurveda, Faculty of Ayurveda, Government Faculty of Ayurveda, R.D. Memorial
Government Ayurved College, Jabalpur, Ayurved College, Jabalpur, Ayurved College, Bhopal,
India India India

Abstract – According to ayurveda pregnancy and child diet from 1st to 3rd month. He furthermore advised that
birth is indeed a holistic condition. During pregnancy she is with above diet, specially cooked shashti rice should be
like “A cup filled with oil right upto brim is carried without added in 3rd month.
spilling even a single drop, every step has to be taken with
care”. She needs extra care with regards to the health since
there is another life depending on her. Ayurveda emphasis III. SECOND TRIMISTER
on the importance of caring of the mother before, during and
after pregnancy. Improper diet and malabsorption can lead Maharshi Charaka has advised butter extracted from
to growth retardation and congenital anomalies. To milk in the quantity of 1 aksha (2 tola=20 grams).or milk
overcome such hazards and to keep her vital pure, our with butter in 4th month, ghrita prepared with butter
stalwarts prescribes month wise diet regimen for pregnant extracted from milk in 5th month and ghrita prepared from
woman starting from conception till delivery. Proper milk medicated with the drugs of madhura group in 6 th
garbhini parichrya i.e. diet, conduct of behavior and
month respectively.
medications ensure normal pregnancy with normal delivery
of healthy baby from healthy mother. While maharshi Sushruta has mentioned cooked shashti
rice with curd,dainty and pleasant food mixed with butter
Keywords – Ayurveda, Month Wise Regimen, Garrbhini and meat of wild animals in 4th and 5th month. Ghrita or
Paricharya yavagu (rice gruel) medicated with gokhshur in 6th month.

I. INTRODUCTION IV. THIRD TRIMISTER

Ayurveda deals with wellbeing of mankind. Everything In 7th month Charaka has prescribed same diet as in 6th,
which affects the mother has impact up on the fetus. rice gruel prepared with milk and mixed with ghrita in 8th
Maharshi Charaka says that with the normalcy of all six month. In 9th month anuvasana basti with oil prepared with
factors i.e. shukra (sperm), artava (ovum), atma, ashaya the drugs of madhura group or vaginal tampon prepared
(uterus), kala (time) and use of appropriate diet along with with the same should be applied for the lubrication of
mode of life by pregnant woman ,she remains healthy and garbhasthana(cervix, uterus) and garbhamarga (birth canal,
delivers the child possessing good health, energy or perineum).
strength, voice, compactness and much superior to other Maharshi Sushruta has advised ghrita medicated with
family members . The fetus obtains its nourishment from prithakparnyadi(vidarigandhadi) group of drugs. This
rasa which is supplied by the mother by process of helps in proper growth and development of fetus.
upasnehan (attracting moisture) and upasweda (osmosis ). He has indicated asthapan basti prepared with badar
Mahrshi Kashyapa explains that the rasa formed from qwath (decoction) to clear the retained feces and cause
mother’s diet performs three functions (1). Nourishment of anulomana (regulation) of vata which lead to normal
woman’s body. (2). formation of milk. (3). nourishment to delivery without any complications. He has not prescribed
the fetus. Improper diet and or mode of life can lead to any specific dietetic regimen for 9th month. However in
anomalies of fetus. the regimen of 8th month after use of enema, continuous
So to reduce the complications like damage to fetus, risk use of unctuous gruels and meat soup of wild animals upto
of miscarriage, toxemia, anemia and other unforeseen the period of delivery is advised.
complications related to pregnancy garbhiniparicharya i.e.
antenatal care should be followed by the pregnant woman, V. DISCUSSION
which is described in our classics.
The first three months of pregnancy are very crucial.
II. FIRST TRIMISTER During this period major organs develops and the body of
woman undergoes a lot of physiological changes to gear
In the 1st month of pregnancy Maharshi Charaka has up for healthy pregnancy and smooth labor eventually.
advised that once having doubt about conception, she There is tendency of nausea and vomiting due to which
should take non medicated milk repeatedly in desired she fails to get proper nourishment. To prevent
quantity considering her digestive power and strength. dehydration and to supply proper nourishment to the
Congenial diet should be taken in morning and evening. In mother and fetus use of cold, sweet, liquid diet, milk,
the 2nd month milk medicated with madhura (kakolyadi) honey, ghrita, drugs of madhura group is advised.
group and in 3rd month milk with honey and ghrita. The milk described in classics is cow’s milk. It contains
Maharshi Sushruta has advised sweet, cold, and liquid water (85.5-88.7%), lactose (3.8-5.3%), Fat (2.4-5.5%) ,
Copyright © 2017 IJIRES, All right reserved
167
 International Journal of Innovation and Research in Educational Sciences
Volume 4, Issue 2, ISSN (Online): 2349–5219

proteins (2.3-4.4 %) organic acids and other miscellaneous pregnancy and lactation.
substances like vitamins, etc. which plays vital role in the Ghrita prevents constipation and aid digestion which are
nutrition of both mother and fetus. It offers rich source of the common problems arises during pregnancy due to high
calcium and minerals which are essential for healthy progesterone (described earlier), diminished physical
bones. During pregnancy there is increased demand of activity, and pressure of gravid uterus on pelvic colon by
calcium by the growing fetus to the extent of 28 grams, 80 stimulating secretion of gastric acid by its deepana
% of which is required in last trimester. Adequate calcium property .
intake prevents osteoporosis. Adequate vitamin D level The fetus develops body tissues in the 4th month, so
supports the production of serotonin, hormone associated swayoniwardhan dravyas i.e. jangal mamsa (fat content)
with mood, appetite and sleep its deficiency has been has prescribed for sufficient growth of fetal tissues. It
associated with depression, fatigue. It is a source of contains rich amount of proteins vitamins. Milk, curd,
potassium which regulates the body’s fluid balance and butter also advised as they contain GABA (Gamma Amino
helps in vasodilatation. Potassium intake with decrease Butyric Acid) that is essential for brain functions. Butter
sodium reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is contains water (16%), carbohydrates (0.19%), sugar (1-
also needed for muscle activity and uterine contractions. 9%), omega 3, 6, vitamins like A, C, D, E, K, B, B2, B5,
Rich amount of protein helps to maintain muscle B6, B12, folate 3mcg, minerals like iron, calcium,
development. It is utilized for building up the strength of potassium, magnesium. It protect against fungal infection,
uterus as well fetal tissues. Its deficiency can cause several calcium content helps protecting against decay of teeth.
health problems in fetus including low birth weight baby. Vitamin D, E, K absorbs other minerals like calcium,
It prevents neonatal rickets. magnesium, iodine, selenium which in turn provides
Milk is excellent source of vit B2 (Riboflavin), helps to energy. Vitamin E helps in proper development of fetal
convert food into energy i.e. process crucial for exercising brain. The flavonides present in same kind of butter helps
muscles, niasin is important for normal function of several in reducing the oxidative stress during pregnancy. Vitamin
enzymes in the body, phosphorus helps to strengthen the K plays a key role in blood clotting. This is important
bones and generates energy. A result published in particularly during labor and just after delivery. It inhibits
European journal of clinical nutrition , shows that vascular calcification and thus may protect against
teenagers of both the sexes were generally taller and less cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
at risk of getting type II diabetes mellitus whose mother Shasti rice which mentioned in classics is sweet and
had drunk at least 150 milk/day during pregnancy. It astringent in taste, easy to digest, soft having cool potency.
boosts there IQ level because of protein content which It pacifies tridosha and helps in protecting circulatory,
helps to produce the hormones made by thyroid gland , has respiratory, and digestive system. It is ideal for anemic
the direct effect on the development of fetal brain. patient to induce blood generation (erythropoesis). It has
Ayurveda also describes it as a complete food which very low glycemic index and contains proteins (16.5%)
promotes immunity, acts as rejuvenator, improves satva thiamin (27-32%) riboflavin (4-25%), niacin(2-36%). It is
guna and tends to enhancement of positive characteristics. beneficial in bleeding disorders, emaciation, hemorrhoids
Honey is a natural sweetener and possesses natural which a common complaint during pregnancy, diabetes,
antibiotic and analgesic action. During pregnancy the skin disorders, UTI, stomach ulcers and helps to increase
natural defense mechanism of the body weakens therefore mother’s milk(galactogouge).
chances of infections are more, here honey acts as By the end of second trimester most of the women
antibiotic and improves defense mechanism. During this suffer from edema on feet and other complications of
period, due to high progesterone level, muscle tone and water retention. There is active retention of sodium and
motility of the entire gastrointestinal tract are diminished, potassium Gokhshura may prevent it as it is natural
cardiac sphincter is relaxed and regurgitation of gastric diuretic. It eliminates excess of water from body. It has
content into oesophagus may produce chemical antihypertensive effect (easyayurveda.com). The stasis of
oesophagitis and heartburn, honey helps to reduce ureter is marked between 20-24 weeks which may lead to
heartburn and discomfort in the gut. It is rich source of difficult urination. Also there is inflammation of bladder
dextrose, dextrin, sucrose vitamin B and C which mucosa due to venous and lymphatic obstruction
maintains adequate blood glucose level of mother required especially in primigravida in late pregnancy .
by fetus through placenta for metabolism . It reduces Medicated enema with oil and the tampons with the
morning sickness or nausea and vomiting, and sense of same soften the birth canal and increase its elasticity. It
unwell caused by hormones . regulates the apan vayu which plays important role during
Ghrita contains fat 99.5%(saturated 61.9%, trans 4% , pregnancy and labor. It may not help in complications
monosaturated 28.7%, polysaturated 3.7%), vitamins like such as cephalopelvic disproportion, contracted pelvis
A, E, K, high amount of DHA (decosahexaenoic acid, ante-partum hemorrhage but in same extent helpful in
omega -3 fatty acid) which is vitally important as they are prolonged labor due to vitiated vata. In other study Devraj
critical build blocks of fetal brain and retina. Ayurveda T.L., and Chaturvedi G.N. reported that it increases Sr.
also describes that it is ssmritivardhaka (enhances protein, Hb %, and reduces ESR thereby suggesting that it
memory) and buddhiwardhaka (augmenting intelligence). arrests the disease process and improves metabolism of
Consumption of DHA and EPA (eicosapeaenoic acid) protein.
improves childhood development when ingested during

Copyright © 2017 IJIRES, All right reserved

168
 International Journal of Innovation and Research in Educational Sciences
Volume 4, Issue 2, ISSN (Online): 2349–5219

VI. CONCLUSION
Ayurveda describes garbhiniparicharya i.e. antenatal
care. The diet during pregnancy should be adequate to
provide: 1) the maintenance of maternal and fetal health,
2) The strength and vitality required during labor and 3)
Successful lactation. During pregnancy there is increased
calorie requirement due to increased growth of maternal
tissues, fetus, placenta and increased metabolic rate. The
diet should be light, nutritious, easily digestible and rich in
protein, minerals and vitamins. Ayurveda advices such
type of diet under the title garbhiniparicharya according to
requirement of mother and fetus.

REFERENCES
[1] Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Poorvardha. Sharirsthan,
Introduced by Acharya Priyavrat Sharma Chaukhambha
Sanskrit Publications reprint 2007.
[2] KAshyapa Samhita Khilasthana By Nepal Rajguru Pandit
Hemraj Sharma, Hindi translation by Shri Satyapala
Bhishagacharya, C Chaukhambha Sanskrit Publications reprint
2006.
[3] Sushruta Samhita Poorvardha Sharirsthana, By Kaviraj
Ambikadutt Shashtri. Chakhambaha Publication Edition Reprint
2007.
[4] Textbook Of Obstetrics, By D.C. Dutta New central book agency
(P) Ltd., Reprint
2006, ISBN: 81-7381-142-3
[5] Dhiman Kamini, Journal of Biological and scientific Opinion,
Vol. 1 (3 2013).
[6] Jensen C L, Effect of n-3 fatty acids during pregnancy and
lactation, AMJ Clin Nutr 2006, 83 (6 suppl):1452s-1457s.
[7] Dravyaguna Vijyana, By Shri Priyavrat Sharma, Chaukhambha
Bharti Academy, reprint 2006.
[8] Prasutitantra Evum Streeroga By P.V. Tiwari, vol.-1,
Chaukhambha Orientalia, Revised and enlarged second edition
1999.
[9] Ancient science of life vol. xx January 200, A Conceptual Study
Of Bastikarma By Gupta R.K, Singh R.H.

Copyright © 2017 IJIRES, All right reserved

169