Abstract

ANTENATAL CARE (GARBHINI PARICHARYA)

*Dr. Hemant Kumar and Dr. Rashmi Sharma

Abstract

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in women‟s life. Life of women is not complete until and unless she gets pregnant and gives birth. Birth should not be risky both for mother and child however extra care needs to be taken by woman during pregnancy. Garbhini Paricharya or Antenatal care is systematic supervision of a woman during pregnancy for the overall development of mother as well as the baby. It includes caring of pregnant women in the form of Ahara (Diet), Vihara (Lifestyle), Aushadha (Medications) and Paramarsha (Counseling) - preparing her for Sukha Prasava (safe delivery), both mentally and physically. Ayurvedic doctors devised certain herbs and foods to be taken each month of pregnancy. This regime is named as “Masanumasik Paricharya of Garbhini”. Importance of this specific Regime prevents any deformity in the baby, ensures proper growth of baby, health of mother, softens & lubricates the mother‟s body tissues and normal unobstructed delivery. Goals of antenatal care are reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity rates, improve the physical and mental health of women and children and prepare the women for labor, lactation, and care of her infant.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Garbhini Paricharya, Antenatal care, healthy progeny.