Changes

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" />

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" />

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 ===

=== 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 ॥

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.  

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 ===

=== 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" />

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" />

== Garbhini paricharya according to Ayurveda (Pre-natal regime) ==

== 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.  

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,

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,

=== Diet of a pregnant woman ===

=== 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>

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>

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=== Contra indications during pregnancy (garbhopaghatakara bhava) ===

=== गर्भोपघातकराः भावाः ॥ Contra indications during pregnancy ===

=== Diet to be avoided ===

==== प्रतिषिद्धः आहारः॥ Diet to be avoided ====

* Excessive heavy to digest, hot and pungent substances [Cha .Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/18]

* Intoxicating substances like alcoholic drinks

* Intoxicating substances like wine[Cha .Sa.Sharira Sthana 4/18]

* Excessive use of meat in diet

* Excessive use of meat[Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana4/18]

* Food items that are putrefied, stale, dried (dehydrated) or wet (fermented on the verge of decomposition)

* Dried up, stale, putrefied and wet food. [Su.Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/3]

* Food items that cause bloating and constipation

* Those diet which obstructs body channels (vishtambhi) .[A.Hr.Sharira Sthana 1/44]

* 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.

* Polluted and incompatible food[Y.R. Ksheeradosha Chikitsa]

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>

* Pulses, edibles producing burning sensation (in abdomen), heavy or sour substances, edible tuber called surana, hot milk, garlic and onion.[Ha. Sa. Tritiya Sthana 49]

* Heavy exercises

* 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.)  

* Continuous exposure to heat, fire and sun. 

* Suppression of [[Vega (वेगाः)|vegas]] or natural urges like flatus, feces, urine, sneeze, hunger, thirst etc. 

* 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.

=== Activities to be avoided ===

=== गर्भिणीरक्षाविधिः॥ Amulet for pregnant woman ===

* Harsh or violent activities [Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/18]

* '''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.

* Ride over vehicle running on uneven path [Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/18]

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.  

* Coitus [Su.Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/3]

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>

* Exercise [Su.Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/3]

* 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 avoid engaging into the conversations or listening/watching something that excites, irritates or disturbs her.

* Sleeping in day time [Su.Sa.Sharira Sthana 10/3]

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>

* Squatting posture of sitting(utkatakasanam) [Su.Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/3]

* She should offer prayers and pay respect to devatas, guru, brahmanas. Respecting and treating elders in good manner is recommended.

* Suppression of natural urges [Su.Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/3]

* She should avoid engaging into the conversations or listening/watching something that excites, irritates or disturbs her.

* She should be well behaved with everyone.

* Fasting [A.S. Sharira Sthana 2/60]

* 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.  

* Lifting heavy weight [A.Hr. Sharira Sthana 1/44]

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,

* Eating clay[Ha. Sa. Tritiya Sthana 49]

* Any objects that generate fear, stress, anxiety in her should be placed in her room.  

 

* 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.  

* The pregnant woman is advised to wear amulet made of Operculina turpethum (trivrit ) in her waist during pregnancy. After delivery she is advised to wear it over her head. [Ka.Sa. Khila Sthana 10/181]

* 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

* For prevention of abortion, intrauterine death of fetus, premature delivery etc. a protection band (varana bandha) is also recommended which is to be done before 8th month. A special spiritual strategy called ‘matangi vidya” is recommended for such rituals by acharya Kashyapa. [Ka. Sa. Kalpa Sthana 6/80]

* 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 pregnant woman shall be well behaved with everyone. Respecting and treating the elders, priests etc. in good manner is recommended. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/3], [ Ka. Sa. Sharira Sthana 5/15].

 

'''Behavior of husband and attendants:'''

 

Affectionate and gentle behavior of husband and servants towards the pregnant woman helps in maintaining the healthy status of pregnancy. She should be pleased with things of her desire and those which are wholesome. [A. Hr. Sharira Sthana 1/43]

 

 

Her sleeping and sitting place should be covered with soft cushion or mattress. They should not be very high and should possess elevated upper portion for head rest to make it perfect and very comfortable. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/3]

 

The abode should be fumigated with fragrant drugs and it should be free from insects like mosquito etc. Vedic hymns should be recited by the people well versed in it and vocal and instrumental music should be played by the musicians. [Ka.Sa. Sharira Sthana 5/14]

 

Effect of music on maternal psychology and fetal well being is a well explored area of research.  

== The Medical Basis ==

== The Medical Basis ==

The rules laid down for the health of the pregnant woman are based on the medical knowledge of the ancient people. Sushruta prescribes similar precautions. “From the time of pregnancy she should avoid coition, over-exertion, sleeping in the day, keeping awake in the night, mounting a carriage, fear, sitting like a cock, purgative, phlebotomy and untimely postponement of natural flow of excretion, urine etc.” Thus every possible care was taken to preserve the physical and mental health of the pregnant woman.<ref name=":13" />

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 />

<references />

[[Category:Samskaras]]

[[Category:Samskaras]]