Transform your pregnancy journey with Ayurvedic approach

Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Director and Principal Consultant of Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore, says, “Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine from India, offers a holistic approach to pregnancy that focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of both the mother and the baby.” Ayurvedic practices can help women prepare for pregnancy, support a healthy pregnancy and delivery, and promote postpartum healing. In this blog, Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, talks about Ayurvedic tips for each stage of pregnancy, including pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, and delivery. By incorporating these practices into their lives, women can experience a joyful and transformative pregnancy journey, says Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore.

Pre-pregnancy tips

Ayurveda suggests that pre-pregnancy preparation is just as important as pregnancy itself. Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore says, “According to Ayurveda, both the mother and father’s physical and mental health can influence the child’s health.”

Here are some pre-pregnancy tips:

• Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to evaluate your health and create a plan for preparing your body for pregnancy
• Follow a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
• Practice yoga or meditation to reduce stress and promote relaxation
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine
• Take prenatal vitamins, including folic acid and iron
• Incorporate Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha, shatavari, and guduchi into your diet under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner

Dos and Don’ts During Pregnancy

Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore says that during pregnancy, it is essential to follow certain dos and don’ts to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Dos:

• Eat a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
• Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to stay hydrated
• Get plenty of rest and relaxation
• Practice yoga or meditation to reduce stress
• Incorporate Ayurvedic herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and fenugreek into your diet to support digestion and overall health
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections

Don’ts:

Avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs to prevent foodborne illnesses.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs
• Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals
• Avoid hot and spicy foods
• Avoid stress and emotional turmoil

Diet and Care of the Pregnant Woman

Ayurveda emphasizes a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats during pregnancy. It is also essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas. Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, offers some dietary recommendations for pregnant women:

• Eat small, frequent meals to prevent nausea and heartburn
• Incorporate a variety of colors and textures into your diet
• Include healthy fats such as ghee, coconut oil, and nuts and seeds
• Avoid processed and packaged foods
• Avoid sugary and high-fat foods

Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says that in addition to a healthy diet, Ayurveda recommends the following care for pregnant women:

• Get plenty of rest and relaxation
• Practice yoga or meditation to reduce stress
• Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals
• Maintain good hygiene to prevent infections

Month-wise diet for pregnant woman

Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says that Ayurveda recommends that pregnant women adjust their diet according to the month of pregnancy to support the changing needs of the body and the growing baby.

First trimester (1-3 months):

During the first trimester, the body is undergoing significant changes, and it is essential to eat a balanced diet to support these changes. Here are some dietary recommendations for the first trimester:

• Eat light, warm, and easy-to-digest foods
• Incorporate ginger and other warming herbs into your diet to support digestion and reduce nausea
• Avoid cold, heavy, and oily foods

Second trimester (4-6 months):

Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says that during the second trimester, the baby’s growth is accelerating, and the mother’s energy requirements increase. Here are some dietary recommendations for the second trimester:

• Eat a balanced diet that includes whole grains, protein, and healthy fats
• Incorporate fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants and vitamins
• Include iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, beans, and red meat
• Avoid spicy and salty foods

Third trimester (7-9 months):

During the third trimester, the baby’s growth is almost complete, and the mother’s body is preparing for delivery, says Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore. He offers some dietary recommendations for the third trimester:

• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, protein, and healthy fats
• Include calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds
• Incorporate foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish or chia seeds
• Avoid heavy and oily foods

Delivery

Ayurveda recommends that women take care of their bodies and minds during delivery to ensure a healthy and smooth delivery. Here are some Ayurvedic tips for delivery

• Practice deep breathing exercises to stay calm and focused
• Drink warm water or herbal tea to stay hydrated
• Use natural methods such as massage, aromatherapy, and music to reduce stress and promote relaxation
• Use specific Ayurvedic herbs under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner to support the birthing process
• Rest and recover after delivery, following specific Ayurvedic guidelines to restore balance to the body

Dr.V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says that Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to pregnancy that focuses on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of both the mother and the baby.

By following a balanced diet, practicing yoga and meditation, and incorporating Ayurvedic herbs, women can support a healthy pregnancy and delivery. With proper care and attention, pregnancy can be a joyful and transformative experience for both mother and baby.