Ayurvedic Diet During Pregnancy

Originated in India, Ayurveda has been in existence for more than a thousand years. As time passes and technology takes over, Ayurveda has somewhere lost its importance and place in our busy lives. However, the truth still stands that, there has been no cure as powerful and no medical science as effective as Ayurveda. People from across the globe spend lots of money indulging in ayurvedic therapies and practices that have been working miracles.

Talking about miracles, we move on to one such miracle that occurs in the body of a woman. Pregnancy is no less than a miracle with a tiny life growing into a baby in the span of 9 months and then its birth. It is extremely important to follow a diet for a pregnant lady. Timely intake of food, avoidance of anti-biotics,s and regular health check-ups are a must for a mother who is conceiving.

When Ayurveda steps in, keeping aside all anti-biotic, half the battle is won right there.

Here are some tips for Ayurvedic during pregnancy:

1) During the early stage of pregnancy, the body demands carbohydrates, Vitamin B and C, Folic Acid, Iron, and Calcium.

2) Eat foods that are light, easy to digest for you and your baby, such as milk, rice-wheat, fruit & veggies, and multigrain. The food that falls under the category mentioned above is easy to digest and calms your mind as well as your system.

3) The major theme during pregnancy is to balance Vata, the energy of the nervous system. This is best do with a diet of fresh, plant-based, whole, or sprouted grains and non-processed foods. Warm, freshly cooked foods with healthy oils of olive, ghee, and coconut are good. Avoid eating leftovers as much as possible.

4) Foods to Avoid:
• Hot spicy foods
• Uncooked leafy greens – as they can cause gas.
• Undercooked beans and lentils – which can also cause gas.
• Artificial flavors, preservatives, and chemical additives

5) These oils feed the microbiology on the skin, as well as calm the skin-based sensory nervous system of the mom. The calmer the mom, the calmer the baby. This can self-massage, or an opportunity to get massage by a loving partner. Gently massage the abdomen and, in the 8th and 9th months, spend extra time on the nipples to prepare for nursing.

6) Ayurveda fundamentally concentrates on a diet, thoughts and lifestyle also called Aahar, Vichaar, and Vihaar.

7) Transcendental Meditation creates a balance in the nervous system of the mother and helps in the spontaneous growth of the baby.

8) A great way to get this is to walk for 30 minutes each day with slow, deep nasal breathing.

9) In the 8th month, you should get as much rest as possible. This is a delicate time when the subtle nutrient fluid called “ojas” that supports vitality, complexion, and immunity is passed between the mother and baby.

10) Try sleeping in a semi-reclined position by putting a pillow between the box spring and the mattress.

On successfully taking note of the tips, here’s a detailed description of monthly Do’s and Don’ts:

#1 First Month

Milk is a major supplement throughout pregnancy and recommend often to sip cold milk along with meals. Milk contains calcium and is recommended at this stage as the baby’s brain is developed at this stage. Iron should take during the 1st trimester contain in food items like figs, Beans, etc.

#2 Second Month

Emphasizing the importance of milk, it is recommended to have a warm milk decoction with sweet herbs like cane juice, Shatavari, etc.

#3 Third Month

Honey and ghee along with milk as well as a regular intake of Amla is a healthy recommendation to the mom-to-be.

#4 Fourth Month

As the Foetus grows it tends to make its own needs due to which mothers tend to get cravings. Ayurveda recommends fulfilling mothers’ cravings until the need is unavoidable and unreasonable.

#5 Third and Fourth Month

Pumpkin is a great source of vitamins and is highly recommended during the third month as it is a highly crucial month of pregnancy, adding to it pumpkin seeds are even a great source of protein which would be good for the mother and baby as well.

#6 Fifth to the seventh month

Nourishment fruits and food should give to the mother. Fruits like mangoes, Apples, carrots, etc. Green leafy veggies. Mother’s skin tends to get itchy in the abdomen, apply sandalwood and lotus for some soothing sensation.

#7 From the eighth month onwards

There should decrease in the consumption of saturated fats, instead, the mother should intake Rice Kanji which is make of milk and little Ghee.

The most important pregnancy principle is to remember to be happy. The partner’s job during this time is to keep the mama-to-be happy. Of course, the mom must practice daily acts of happiness as well. The partner should avoid travel, be home in the evenings, and fulfill every desire of the mother-to-be.

These Ayurvedic Pregnancy diet tips would help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthier baby.