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Pre-natal Samskaras (जन्मात्पूर्वसंस्काराः) (view source)
Revision as of 18:39, 6 May 2022
, 18:39, 6 May 2022→गर्भिण्यां मानसस्वास्थ्यम्॥ Psychological dimensions of prenatal care (Mental health of a pregnant woman)
“There are terrible fiends and witches bent on devouring the foetus of a pregnant woman. Therefore, she should be always protected from them by ever observing purity, writing sacred mantras and wearing beautiful garland. 0 Brahmana, Virupa and Vikrti generally dwell in trees, trenches, ramparts and seas. They are always in search of pregnant women. Hence they should not visit these places. The son of Garbhahanta is Vighna, and Mehini is his daughter. 'The first (Vighna) enters the womb and eats away the foetus. The second (Mehini) having entered it causes abortion. From the mischief of Mehini are born snakes, frogs, tortoises from the womb of a woman.”<ref name=":13" />
“There are terrible fiends and witches bent on devouring the foetus of a pregnant woman. Therefore, she should be always protected from them by ever observing purity, writing sacred mantras and wearing beautiful garland. 0 Brahmana, Virupa and Vikrti generally dwell in trees, trenches, ramparts and seas. They are always in search of pregnant women. Hence they should not visit these places. The son of Garbhahanta is Vighna, and Mehini is his daughter. 'The first (Vighna) enters the womb and eats away the foetus. The second (Mehini) having entered it causes abortion. From the mischief of Mehini are born snakes, frogs, tortoises from the womb of a woman.”<ref name=":13" />
=== '''गर्भिणीधर्माः ॥''' Rules for the Expectant Mother ===
=== Garbhasamskara or Kshetrasamskara ===
The authorities are divided in their opinion whether, some of these pre-natal samskaras should be performed in every pregnancy (Garbha samskara) or it should be performed only in the first conception (Kshetra samskara). Garbhasamskara refers to the purificatory rites for the Garbha or embryo. Hence such samskaras are to be performed for every garbha or embryo. A Kshetrasamskara refers to the consecration of the wife; hence once the Ksetra is purified it need not be done for subsequent pregnancies.<ref name=":1" />
Manu and Yajnavalkya opine that Garbhadhana was a Garbhasamksara because “religious rites of the twice-born from the conception to the funeral should be performed.’’ According to the second school of thought “Having once co-habited with the wife ceremoniously one should approach her in future ordinarily ( without any ceremony)." They believe that Ksetra (the wife) once consecrated lends purity to every conception in future. Logically speaking, the Garbhadhana was a Garbha-Samskara in the beginning, and the second school represents the tendency of simplifying and omitting the Samskaras appear to be of later origin.<ref name=":1" />
According to Saunaka, Pumsavana rite should be repeated in every conception, because by touching and feeding, the foetus becomes purified ; moreover by the force of the mantras uttered in this Samkara, one obtains the "memory of the past lives. So, it is prescribed in every conception.<ref name=":12" />
In the Mitaksara on the Yajnavalkya, we find an eliminating tendency where Vijnanesvara says, “These Pumsavana and Simanta being, Ksetra Samskaras should be performed only once.”<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>Also read [[Suprajanana Samskara (सुप्रजनन संस्कारः)]]</blockquote>
=== गर्भिणीधर्माः ॥ Rules for the Expectant Mother ===
In Samskararatnamala we find Kashyapa's advice to Aditi as mentioned in the '''Padmapurana.''' Here find the duties of the expecting mother. A summary is given below.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>नावस्करेषूपविशेन्मुसलोलूखलादिषु । जलं च नावगाहेत शून्यागारं विवर्जयेत् ॥
In Samskararatnamala we find Kashyapa's advice to Aditi as mentioned in the '''Padmapurana.''' Here find the duties of the expecting mother. A summary is given below.<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>नावस्करेषूपविशेन्मुसलोलूखलादिषु । जलं च नावगाहेत शून्यागारं विवर्जयेत् ॥
वल्मीकं नाधितिष्ठेत न चोद्विग्नमना भवेत् । विलिखेन्न नखैर्भूमिं नाङ्गारेण न भस्मना ॥
वल्मीकं नाधितिष्ठेत न चोद्विग्नमना भवेत् । विलिखेन्न नखैर्भूमिं नाङ्गारेण न भस्मना ॥
* climb up or down the trees
* climb up or down the trees
* cross rivers by swimming,
* cross rivers by swimming
* climb on a wheel
* climb on a wheel
* consume strong medicines
* consume strong medicines
The '''Varaha Smrti''' prohibits consuming meat during pregnancy.<ref name=":13" />
The '''Varaha Smrti''' prohibits consuming meat during pregnancy.<ref name=":13" />
She is strictly prohibited from
According to Samskara Ratnamala, an expectant mother has some religious restrictions also. <blockquote>दानं पक्वान्नभिक्षायाः परिवेषणमेव च । पचनं च न कर्तव्यं गर्भिण्या सर्वथैव तु ॥ (Sams. Ratn. 2.2)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>She cannot give dana (physically), serve the food cooked by others but cannot cook and serve food.<ref name=":0" />
Other Nibandhas like Dharmasindhu advocate that a preganant lady should avoid going out or watching an eclipse (Solar or Lunar). She should remain indoors well protecting her womb using Kusha grass or Darbha bed.
=== गर्भिणीपतिधर्माः ॥ Duties of the Husband ===
The first and foremost duty of the husband was to fulfil the wishes of his pregnant wife. <blockquote>गर्भिणीवाञ्छितं द्रव्यं तस्यै दद्याद्यथोचितम् । सूते चिरायुषं पुत्रमन्यथा दोषमर्हति इति ॥ (Sams. Ratn. 2.2)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>According to Yajnavalkya, <blockquote>दौहृदस्याप्रदानेन गर्भो दोषं अवाप्नुयात् । वैरूप्यं मरणं वापि तस्मात्कार्यं प्रियं स्त्रियाः । । ३.७९ । (Yajn. Smrt. 3.76)<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Adhyaya 3 Prayaschitta])</ref></blockquote>By not meeting the wishes of a pregnant woman, foetus becomes unhealthy ; it is either deformed or miscarried. Therefore, one should do as desired by her.<ref name=":13" /> As per Kalavidhi text,<blockquote>क्षौरं शवानुगमनं नखकृन्तनं च युद्धं च वास्तुकरणं त्वतिदूरयानम् ।उद्वाहमौ(औ)पनयनं जलधेर्वगाह आयुष्क्षयो भवति गर्भिणिकापतीनाम् इति ॥</blockquote>The husband after the sixth month of her pregnancy, should avoid cropping hair and nails, going in a funeral procession, participating in a war, building a new house, going abroad, marriage or Upanayana in the family, and bathing in the sea, as it would shorten the life of the husband of a pregnant woman.”<ref name=":13" />
== आयुर्वेदे गर्भिणीपरिचर्या ॥ Pre-natal regime practiced in Ayurveda ==
Ayurveda scholars have proposed a nine monthly diet plan and a specific month-wise regime for an expectant mother. This is known as Garbhini paricharya. It is based on the growth of the fetus in the womb and at the same time ensures health of the mother at that stage of pregnancy. It is also designed in a way so as to safeguard the future health of mother and baby. Therefore garbhini paricharya refers to the pre-natal care or ante-natal care suggested by Ayurveda.
The conceived woman is advised to be treated with special care just like a pot filled with oil. As the slightest oscillati on of such a pot causes spilling of the oil, similarly the slightest exertions or excitements to the pregnant woman can initiate adverse pregnancy outcomes.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 22)</ref> Therefore utmost care of the pregnant woman is to be taken. The pregnancy regime described in Ayurveda is as below,
=== गर्भिणीहितकरः आहारः॥ Diet of a pregnant woman ===
The food consumed by a pregnant woman plays key-role in nourishment of mother as well as child. Ayurveda opines that this food when gets digested is trandformed into 3 main parts. Each of the 3 parts of this food have specific role as below,<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthana Adhyaya 6 Sutra 23)</ref>
# Provides nourishment to mother's body tissues
# Nourishes growing baby in womb
# Involved in development of breast milk which is the chief source of nourishment of baby post delivery.
Acharya Kashyapa in Kashyapa Samhita has suggested that, whatever diet the pregnant woman consumes becomes congenial to the baby in womb. Thus one should take utmost care while planning diet of a pregnant woman. The diet should be designed considering the digestive strength of the mother, the season, time of the day and area of residence.<ref>Kashyapa Samhita (Sutrasthana Adhyaya 18 Sutra 24-25)</ref> Diet planned considering these points helps to maintain health of mother and baby both and prevents development of diseases.
The month wise diet for a pregnant woman has been suggested in all the Ayurveda treatises. There are some differences of opinion with regards the selection of food ingredients in different scholars but the widely popular and accepted diet regime has been discussed below.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 sutra 32)</ref> <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthana Adhyaya 10 sutra 4)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 3/3 Sutra 11)</ref>'''However it is strongly recommended to consult a nearby [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] to get a customized diet plan and make alterations as per individuals [[Prakrti in Ayurveda (प्रकृतिः)|prakrti]] and general health condition.'''
{| class="wikitable"
!Month
!Dietary regimen
|-
|'''1st Month'''
|Sweet in taste, cold in properties and preferably liquid diet is suggested in the first month of pregnancy. Milk can be taken frequently in desired quantity as per one's digestive capacity. The women who dislike milk or have intolerance to milk can be suggested some alternative aby a vaidya considering the basic objective and health status of the woman. Medicated clarified butter extracted from milk is also very much beneficial in this month to be consumed by a pregnant woman. Some acharyas have also suggested to take honey mixed with butter and sweetened milk.
|-
|'''2nd month'''
|The diet from first month is to be continued with little change. The milk to be consumed is advised to be medicated with the herbs having sweet [[Rasa (रसः)|rasa]] (taste). The specific herbs have been listed in literature.
|-
|'''3rd month'''
|In the third month diet becomes little more nourishing and heavy. The milk should be taken mixed with honey and ghee. The rice of shashtika variety well cooked and then mixed with milk is to be taken. Some scholars also recommend consumption of Krishara (preparation like khichadi made with rice and pulses).
|-
|'''4th month'''
|In this month other milk derivatives like butter and curd are recommended. Milk is to taken with significant amount of butter. The quantity of butter mentioned in treatises is somewhat near 12 gms but in today's time according to digestive and physical strength of the expecting mother the quantity can be revised. Cooked rice with curd is also beneficial
|-
|'''5th Month'''
|Various preparations of rice like rice gruel, kheer/payasam (traditional preparation of sweetened milk and cooked rice) or simple cooked rice mixed with milk, ghee and meat of specific qualities is recommended in this month. Ghee prepared from butter which is directly obtained from milk is known to be beneficial in this month.
|-
|'''6th Month'''
|A specific recipe of ghee which should be consumed in this month has been given. The milk should be medicated with few herbs having sweet rasa (taste). The ghee should be extracted from such a medicated milk. It is called as ksheerasarpi. Rice gruel which should be taken in this month should be medicated with herbs like Gokshura (Tribulus terestris).
|-
|'''7th month'''
|Ghee similar to the one taken in 6th month i.e. ksheerasarpi is to be consumed. The ghee medicated with certain group of herbs is beneficial. (Your Vaidya can guide you select the ghee).
|-
|'''8th month'''
|Rice gruel mixed with unctuous substances like ghee and soup of wild meat is recommended. For vegetarians rice gruel can be prepared with milk abd ghee can be later added to it. Briefly, a woman is advised to take sufficient good fats into diet. Certain traditional sweet desserts can also be consumed in a controlled manner considering other aspects like digestive strength, weight etc.
|-
|'''9th month'''
|Rice gruel and Meat soup are the two preferable diets in this month. Those can be taken together. Sufficient amount of ghee should be added to the preparations. Use of different types of cereals is also suggested by some acharyas.
|}
=== गर्भोपघातकराः भावाः ॥ Contra indications during pregnancy ===
Ayurveda points out the diet and lifestyle of a pregnant woman which can prove harmful for her health as well as baby's health if she adopts it during pregnancy. These factors are known as Garbhopaghatakara bhavas. (Garbha-baby in womb, Upaghatakara-harmful/damaging, bhavas-factors) It can be seen that such faulty practices can not just cause harm to the health of baby and mother but also have potential to cause abortions, premature births and even intra-uterine deaths.
==== प्रतिषिद्धः आहारः॥ Diet to be avoided ====
Following diet should be avoided by an expectant mother to ensure the well-being of mother and baby. <ref name=":2">Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 4 Sutra 18)</ref> <ref name=":3">Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 3)</ref> <ref name=":4">Ashtanga Hrudaya (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 43-44 )</ref>
* अतिगुरुउष्णतीक्ष्ण - Excessive heavy to digest, hot and pungent substances
* Intoxicating substances like alcoholic drinks
* Excessive use of meat in diet
* Food items that are putrefied, stale, dried (dehydrated) or wet (fermented on the verge of decomposition)
* Food items that cause bloating and constipation
* Food items that cause burning sensation or substances that are sour in taste, garlic, onion, yam (surana) pulses etc can cause gastric disturbances in a pregnant woman and thus can lead to ill health in some pregnant ladies. Hence these should be consumed cautiously and best avoided when the intolerance or allergy to these substances in known.
==== प्रतिषिद्धः विहारः॥ Activities to be avoided ====
Along with the diet mentioned in previous section, following activities of a pregnant woman can also prove potentially harmful for her health as well as baby's health. Thus following activities should be avoided for best pregnancy outcomes. <ref name=":2" /> <ref name=":3" /> <ref name=":4" /> <ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sharira Sthana Adhyaya 2 Sutra 60)</ref>
* Heavy exercises
* Sleeping during day time and keeping awake at late night.
* Squatting posture for long time (In older times people in Bharata used to sit on the floor in this position for a long time. It can be seen in rural parts of India even in today's time.)
* Coitus
* Continuous exposure to heat, fire and sun.
* Fasting
* Suppression of [[Vega (वेगाः)|vegas]] or natural urges like flatus, feces, urine, sneeze, hunger, thirst etc.
* Lifting heavy weights.
* Activities like walking on uneven path, riding over vehicle which can give jerks, violent activities
* Wearing cloths of red color is prohibited and she is advised to wear as much whites as possible.
* Traditionally it is said that a pregnant woman should watch pictures of white bull or horse daily. These 2 are the symbols of strength, appropriate physical body and charm.
=== गर्भिणीरक्षाविधिः॥ Amulet for pregnant woman ===
Kashyapa samhita offers knowledge of some methods that are beyond a regular pharmaceutical method of management. These methods are suggested to protect a pregnant mother and baby from evil forces that are beyond understanding of a normal human being but those can trouble the mother & baby and may lead to either premature birth or intra uterine death of a baby. For this few measures have been suggested by Acharya Kashyapa that include following things,
* '''Varana Bandha''' (Protection band)- A protection band known as Varana bandha is recommended for pergnant ladies before 8th month of pregnancy. This is done by specialists who have learned and practice a form of vidya (knowledge system) known as '''Matangi vidya'''.<ref>Kashyapa Samhita (Kalpasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 80)</ref> Matangi vidya is one of the mahavidyas known to the yogis who are expert in Tantra.
* Amulet: Use of an amulet made from a medicinal herb Trivrut (Operculina terpethum) is also recommended for pregnant woman by Acharya Kashyapa before and after pregnancy. Before pregnancy the amulet should be tied to the waist while after delivery it is to be worn over the head by mother. <ref>Kashyapa Samhita (Khilasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 181)</ref>
Such practices are known as Daivavyapashraya [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|Chikitsa]] (a type of treatment measure that includes use of gems, sacred threads, chanting mantras etc). Such practices although described in ancient scriptures are not practiced widely in today's time. It could be because of development of western medical science, lack of experts in specific tantras required to practice such traditions and disbelief in occult practices rampant as culture in ancient bharata. However newer insights in preventive antenatal care can be obtained if clinical studies are conducted on these methods.
=== गर्भिण्यां मानसस्वास्थ्यम्॥ Psychological dimensions of prenatal care (Mental health of a pregnant woman) ===
Ayurveda acharyas have deeply discussed about the mind set of a pregnant woman, her emotions, desires and their effect on her pregnancy and baby. They have put forward their findings and opinions about how a pregnant woman should carry herself psychologically in this delicate phase of pregnancy. The ultimate well-being of mother and child is dependent on mother's psyche, emotins, thoughts and behavior. Thus she is advised to try to maintain her overall attitude and behavior in a particular manner so as to get the best pregnancy outcomes. The guidelines are as below,<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 10 Sutra 3)</ref>
* A pregnant woman should try to be in happy mood and mindset throughout the pregnancy.
* She should offer prayers and pay respect to devatas, guru, brahmanas. Respecting and treating elders in good manner is recommended.
* She should always indulge into peaceful and pious activities.
* It is best to avoid anger by a pregnant woman.
* Activities that lead to generations of grief or scare should be avoided.
* Talking very loudly should also be best avoided.
* She should avoid engaging into the conversations or listening/watching something that excites, irritates or disturbs her.
* She should be well behaved with everyone.
=== Social dimensions of prenatal care ===
Social dimensions of prenatal care include how an interaction or communication between a pregnant woman and people around her should be in order to get the best pregnancy outcomes. Ayurveda acharyas have also intricately discussed about structure of the room for the pregnant woman. <ref name=":3" /> <ref name=":4" /> <ref>Kashyapa Samhita (Sharirasthana Adhyaya 5 Sutra 14)</ref>
==== गर्भिणीधर्मः॥ Behavior of a pregnant woman ====
* She should offer prayers and pay respect to devatas, guru, brahmanas. Respecting and treating elders in good manner is recommended.
* She should avoid engaging into the conversations or listening/watching something that excites, irritates or disturbs her.
* She should be well behaved with everyone.
==== गर्भिणीपतिधर्माः ॥ Behavior of husband and attendants ====
* The husband, family members and servants should have an affectionate and gentle behavior towards a pregnant woman. They should avoid talks that generate anger, fear or stress in a pregnant woman.
* The desires of a pregnant woman which are valid and wholesome should be fulfilled by her husband and other members.
==== गर्भिणीगृहरचना॥ Room settings ====
A pregnant woman is advised to follow certain rules related to her daily activities which includes avoiding certain places and some restrictions on her physical activities. Considering these (already discussed in previous sections) the room of a pregnant woman should have certain elements deliberately employed taking into account the pregnancy state. These elements are as below,
* Any objects that generate fear, stress, anxiety in her should be placed in her room.
The first and foremost duty of the husband was to fulfil the wishes of his pregnant wife. <blockquote>गर्भिणीवाञ्छितं द्रव्यं तस्यै दद्याद्यथोचितम् । सूते चिरायुषं पुत्रमन्यथा दोषमर्हति इति ॥ (Sams. Ratn. 2.2)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>According to Yajnavalkya, <blockquote>दौहृदस्याप्रदानेन गर्भो दोषं अवाप्नुयात् । वैरूप्यं मरणं वापि तस्मात्कार्यं प्रियं स्त्रियाः । । ३.७९ । (Yajn. Smrt. 3.76)<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Adhyaya 3 Prayaschitta])</ref></blockquote>By not meeting the wishes of a pregnant woman, foetus becomes unhealthy ; it is either deformed or miscarried. Therefore, one should do as desired by her.<ref name=":13" /> As per Kalavidhi text,<blockquote>क्षौरं शवानुगमनं नखकृन्तनं च युद्धं च वास्तुकरणं त्वतिदूरयानम् ।
* The place should be free from insects like lizard, mosquitoes etc.
* Pictures of or actual site of white horse or white bull (indicating superior physical attributes) should be easily available or visible to her which she can focus daily.
* Sources that generate odor should be cleared away and pleasing fragrances should be sprinkled in the room making the atmosphere peaceful and positive.
* Soft cushions and mattresses should be arranged in her sleeping and sitting place.
* The place to sit and sleep should not be on very high level where she would have to climb or may find difficulty to get down. The sitting or sleeping place should be made comfortable by making
* Music like instrumental music and Vedic mantras to be played or recited by artists and vedic scholar respectively so as to add more positivity to the environment. Effect of music on maternal psychology and fetal well being is a well explored area of research.
== The Medical Basis ==
The rules laid down for the health of the pregnant woman are based on the medical knowledge of the ancient people.<ref name=":13" /> Most of the do's and dont's can be seen having some background related to the pregnancy physiology discussed in Ayurveda. Interestingly Ayurveda has discussed in depth about not just physical but also psychological and social dimensions of pregnancy and advised a set of rules to be followed or avoid by a pregnant woman in order to get the best pregnancy outcomes. This holistic view about pregnancy care described in Ayurveda empowers the Vaidyas, pregnant ladies and their family to plan, follow or implement the pregnancy regime carefully. Pregnancy regime discussed here in terms of managing physical, mental and social health of a pregnant woman along with the prenatal samskaras discussed earlier when followed religiously can ensure safe mother hood, delivery and healthy progeny. Thus every possible care was taken to preserve the health of the pregnant woman and the baby in womb.
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Samskaras]]