Venkata Rajesh Naidu Gopisetty is a self learnt Panchagavya expert and practices Asthanga Hyrudaya and Asthanga Sadrusya. He has cured Cancer, Blood pressure, Thyroid, Auto Immune diseases, Life style diseases, Diabetes, Menstrual problems, Migraine, Ulcerative colitis, all types of Skin diseases and the list goes endless.
Ayurveda has a strong belief that the in utero period lays out a long-lasting foundation for one’s entire life. Thus, it is of great importance that the mother nourishes herself, as well as the baby-to-be during this stage of life. According to Ayurveda, everything the woman feels and does during pregnancy will have an effect on the fetus, which in turn will lay out the little one’s life for years to come. Therefore, in order to have a healthy baby (and beyond), we must first begin with a healthy, balanced mother during pregnancy.
In general, pregnancy as well as the postpartum period is a time where Vata dosha is set off balance due to the incredible amount of changes going on physically, as well as psychologically. It is also a time where Ojas should be at its best, and therefore nourishment should be a main focus for both the mom and the fetus. In terms of the Agnior digestive fire, it typically is in a weakened and variable state during pregnancy and a simple, digestible, sattvic (balanced) diet should be an essential protocol for the mother to be.
From the first day of conception there is a strong interaction between the mother and the fetus. Everything the mom takes in, whether it is a food, thought, emotion, or image has a vital effect on the fetus that will determine the child’s personality and constitution (Prakriti) for years to come. Therefore it is of utmost importance that the mother immerses herself with positive surroundings. This includes loving family support, harmonious music; healthy, sweet foods; soothing aromas, pleasant images and so on. On the contrary, the negative counterparts of these should be avoided.
With the love and support of family and friends, the mother should try to remain as positive and happy as possible during this period. Studies have shown that negative emotions during pregnancy effect the growth of the baby and can lead to low birth weight. It is also said that an overstressed, anxious mom can lead to a colicky, anxious newborn. However, it is not recommended to repress negative emotions that may arise either. Finding a healthy way to process them such as talking them out with a loved one, healthy support systems, daily walks, time in nature, gentle yoga, gentle breath work, and meditation are all great tools that the mother can utilize during pregnancy.
To receive the most personalized care, an expecting mother should seek out a knowledgeable Ayurvedic practitioner in her area. Ayurveda stresses that in all stages of life, we as individuals are very unique and thus the treatment needs to be unique and personalized for each being. This idea should be kept in mind during this ever so important period. However, there are some common guidelines a woman can keep in mind during this time.
An Ayurvedic Diet for Pregnancy
As stated before the Agni (digestive fire) is weakened and Vata is increased, especially during the 2nd and 3rdtrimesters of the pregnancy. By following these guidelines, the woman should find a little more ease in her daily life during this time.
Consume foods that are mild and easy to digest (sattvic)
Avoid spicy foods
Maintain regular and consistent eating times
Avoid leftovers, stale food, and frozen food
Try to eat whole, organic, fresh cooked foods as much as possible
Avoid over or under eating
Avoid eating out too much
Avoid too much raw, cold food
Favor warm, moist, cooked foods like soups, stews, kitchari and casseroles
Try to get a balance of all 6 tastes
Eat a diet rich in a variety of colors
Eat foods that are tasty, nourishing and delicious
Use digestive spices in the food such as turmeric, ginger, black pepper, pippali, trikatu, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, coriander and brown mustard seed
Avoid heavy, dense food and favor more liquid/semi-liquid options
Ojas building foods include: warm milk, ghee, rice, whole wheat, raisins, dates, almonds, grapes, figs, avocados, mangos, coconut;
NOTE: Calcium is in great need during this time and increases in the 3rdtrimester when the skeleton of the fetus begins to form. Supplements may be recommended as well as increasing dietary calcium. Good food sources include: milk, plain yogurt or kefir, kale, collards, broccoli, almonds, sesame seeds, tahini, molasses, dates, sardines, and salmon.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Pregnancy
Practice a self-oil massage (abhyanga) with warm Vata Massage Oil upon arising each day or before bed at night
Make time for a daily meditation, even if for only a few minutes each day
Surround yourself with supportive loved ones
Join a community pre-natal yoga class to bond with other mothers
Drink warm milk with nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and honey before bed to calm the mind
Try to get an adequate amount of rest each night; this should be neither in excess or lacking in length
Find a healthy sleep routine; go to bed around the same time each night (9-10pm) and awaken about the same time each morning (6-7am)
Try to avoid medications if possible, especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy
Take warm baths with soothing essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, jasmine, or rose
Gentle yoga and pranayama (without retentions) can be practiced to help ease of pregnancy as well as labor
If an unusual craving arises, listen to this (unless it may be a harmful craving such as alcohol or cigarettes); Ayurveda believes that this is the consciousness of the fetus coming through and therefore should be fulfilled
Activities to Avoid During Pregnancy
Excessive exercise
Excessive hiking or walking
Weight loss programs
Tight clothes around the abdomen
Holding in of bodily urges (flatulence, burps, urination, defecation, etc)
Day sleeping (aka naps)
Staying up too late
Unhealthy diet
Too much food
Too little food
Processed food, preserved food, additives and refined sugars
Alcohol, caffeine and tobacco
Too much sex
Excessive traveling
Unhealthy, unsupportive relationships (i.e. friends, family, co-workers, partner)
Disturbing images and surroundings
Violent movies
Unhappy emotions
Repressing emotions
Sleeping on the back or belly
Lifting of heavy items
Bending forward for long periods
Standing for an excessive amount of time
Working too much
Anxiety
STRESS!
Ayurvedic Herbs for Pregnancy
Anantamul
Vidari
Licorice
Shatavari
Ashwagandha
Bala
Ginger (great for morning sickness!)
Cardamom
Pippali
Tulsi
Gokshura
***Herbs should only be taken in powdered or pill form under the guidance of a knowledgeable herbalist or practitioner. Please do not self-medicate during pregnancy!