In Ayurveda, it is believed that the early stage of conception lays out a long-lasting foundation for a person’s entire life. Everything the woman feels and does during this period affects the fetus. Therefore, to promote the health of the mother and child during pregnancy, it is essential to follow a nutritious diet.
Ayurvedic Diet for Pregnancy
As the Agni gets weakened during 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy due to increased Vata, women can be at little ease in her daily life by following these below guidelines.
- Consume foods that are easy to digest (sattvic ahara) and avoid spicy,leftovers, stale food, frozen foods
- Maintain regular and consistent eating times
- Include whole, organic, fresh cooked foods as much as possible
- Avoid over or under eating and excess raw or cold food
- Have warm, moist, cooked foods like soups, stews, kitchari, and casseroles
- Try to get a balance of all 6 tastes and diet rich in a variety of colors
- Eat foods that are nourishing and healthy
- Use digestive spices in the food such as turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, Trikatu, cardamom, fennel, pippali, coriander, and brown mustard seed
- Include ojas building foods such as rice, whole wheat, figs, avocados, raisins, dates, almonds, grapes, mangos, coconut
Ayurvedic Pregnancy Diet Regimen for Each Month
Ayurveda suggests certain foods to be included in the diet during pregnancy depending on each month requirements.
First Month
- Include madhura (sweet), cold and liquid food in the diet as they are easy to digest, works as an appetizer, and prevents dehydration.
- Sweet food aids in the growth of cells and helps stabilize Vata. Grapes, dates and ripe bananas are some of the stabilizing foods which are easily digestible, loaded with nutrients, and are excellent immunomodulators.
- Abhyanga – massage with medicated oils
- Udvartana – rubbing over body with medicated powders
- Licorice, Grewia asiatica, and flowers of Madhuca longifolia are some useful herbs
Second Month
Sweet tasting foods, cold foods, and liquid diet. As same as the first month diet regimen
Third Month
- Major organs of the fetus are developed during the first three months.
- The mother’s body also goes through various hormonal and physical changes which causes morning sickness and nausea. Mildly sweet-tasting foods, cold foods, and a liquid diet will help to reduce morning sickness and prevent dehydration.
- Krshara (olio) prepared with rice and pulse
Fourth Month
- Should include healthy fat in the diet as the fetus develops the body tissues in this month.
- As potassium is important for muscle activity and uterine contractions while protein is required for muscle development, expectant women should consume fruits like mango, watermelon, yellow pumpkin, white pumpkin, and pomegranate
- Foods conducive and pleasant for the heart should be consumed
- Medicated cooked rice is also recommended
Fifth Month
Include Shashti rice in the diet as it is loaded with micronutrients and is beneficial for the circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Sixth Month
- Rice gruel medicated with Gokshura is recommended
- Consuming Gokshura in the sixth month will help relieve edema and water retention problems commonly faced by the end of the second trimester.
Seventh Month
- Frequently consume easily digestible meals in smaller quantities to feel better from the discomfort caused due to growing fetus
- Eat calcium-rich foods to prevent pregnancy-led osteoporosis in the trimester.
Eighth Month
- Liquid diet and Unctuous gruels
- Asthapana Vasti or decoction enema with Badaradi decoction
- Niruha vasti or decoction enema with Shushkamuladi enema
- Anuvasana vasti or unctuous enema with oil prepared &Madhura group of herbs
Ninth Month
- Unctuous gruels and cooked rice with a good quantity of fat
- Different varieties of cereals and rice gruel
- Vaginal tampons with medicated oil for lubrication of uterus and vaginal canal and perineum. It increases elasticity and regulates the Apana Vayu which is essential for normal vaginal delivery.
- Bathe daily with cold decoction prepared from vata alleviating (Vatahara) leaves
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Pregnancy
- Practice a self-oil massage (abhyanga) with warm massage oil upon after waking up or before going to bed
- Make time for daily meditation and surround yourself with supportive loved ones
- Find a healthy sleep routine
- Try to avoid medications if possible
- Take warm bath with soothing essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, or jasmine
- Gentle yoga and pranayama can be practiced to help ease pregnancy as well as labor pain
Conclusion: In general, pregnancy is a time where Vata dosha is set off balance due to the incredible amount of changes going on physically and psychologically. So, it is advisable to add sweet food that also aids information and growth of cells and helps to stabilize Vata. You can contact online Ayurvedic doctors at Total Ayurveda Care and get more healthy tips. We offer a wide range of herbals, spices, Nuts, and Dry fruits supplements that can benefit your health greatly! Have a look at our product catalog today!