Role of Ayurveda in the Prevention of Miscarriage
“A Stable Pregnancy Begins Before Conception – Go the Ayurveda Way!”
Considered to be one of the most distressing problems in Obstetrics,
Miscarriage causes immense emotional and personal trauma to a couple who are
planning to go the family way. This problem affects approximately 1% of all
women of reproductive age.
Ayurveda has helped thousands of women reclaim their dream of
“Motherhood”. Keep reading to know “HOW” …
The
Basics
Acharya Harita has mentioned six types of Vandhyatwa (Infertility). In
Ayurveda classics, the expulsion of the foetus up to the fourth month of
pregnancy is termed “Garbhasrava” (First Trimester Miscarriage), and in the fifth
and sixth months, it is termed as “Garbhapata” (Second
Trimester Miscarriage). Thereafter, when the foetus dies within the uterus, it
is termed as “Mrita Garbha” or Intrauterine Foetal Death (IUFD).
Since Prevention is always better than cure, in Ayurveda, we get an intricate
explanation of Garbhadhana Vidhi (Preconception Care). It starts from the
marital age and ends with conception.
Why
Miscarriages Occur – An Ayurvedic View
Miscarriage, according to Ayurveda, is not seen as a single event but a
spectrum of conditions primarily caused by Vata Dosha Aggravation. Other
causative factors can be:
i.
Anatomical Uterine Defects
ii.
Endometrial Dysfunction
iii.
Chromosomal Errors
iv.
Chronic Maternal Illness
v.
Metabolic Factors
vi.
Endocrine Factors
vii.
Hyperprolactinemia
viii.
Thrombophilia
ix.
Immunological factors
x.
Cervical Incompetence
xi.
Infections, or
xii.
An Unexplained Miscarriage
Ayurvedic
Prevention Strategies
Prevention Protocols to stave off
Miscarriage, in Ayurveda, are aimed at rectifying the underlying cause. Hence,
a single line of management cannot be followed.
Broadly, Ayurveda emphasizes prevention through a Balanced Diet and Reproductive Tissue Strengthening before and during pregnancy. In Ayurveda classics, Chikitsa is advised according to the Dosha and Dhatu involved. It primarily constitutes:
I. Shodhana Chikitsa: As a mandatory course of treatment, it is adopted as it purifies and normalizes the vitiated Doshas and Dhatus, thereby improving uterine health and the quality of the Ovum (Artava) and Sperm (Shukra). Some of the notable procedures under this Chikitsa are as follows:
a. Virechana Karma: According to Acharya Kashyapa, Virechana Karma pacifies the Pitta Dosha and improves the efficacy of “Beeja”
It helps correct the impairment or dysfunction of the Digestive and Metabolic Fires, thereby regulating normal physiological processes, including menstruation and the biological production and maturation of the ovum and sperm.
c. Uttar Vasti: It plays an important role in the rejuvenation of the Uterus and Endometrium
II. Garbhini Paricharya: Acharya Sushruta detailed Garbhini Paricharya, which mentions month-wise treatments for Garbhasrava. It interprets specific interventions to avert miscarriage when a pregnant woman is at risk of losing her baby.
Significance of Garbhini
Paricharya
During 1st trimester
During this trimester, embryogenesis occurs, which
demands increased energy. The pregnant woman can encounter issues like Nausea
and Vomiting during this phase, often making it difficult to sustain a Balanced
Diet, leading to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. In this phase,
consuming a cold, sweet, and liquid diet can effectively prevent dehydration
and provide essential nutrients.
During 2nd Trimester
During this period, when the muscular tissue
of the foetus is towards significant increase, high protein intake from various
plant and animal sources is recommended. Acharya Charaka advised taking milk
with Navneeta (fresh, unsalted white butter).
It is revered as a potent and nutrient-dense
food-medicine during the fourth month of pregnancy, in Ayurveda. It contains Vitamins
such as A, E, D, and K, and minerals like Zinc and Iodine.
During 3rd Trimester
Ghee medicated with Prithakparnayadi Drugs,
which are a specialized group of Ayurvedic Herbs, supports Maternal and Foetal Health
in the seventh month. They act as a Diuretic and Anabolic Agent, helping
alleviate feebleness by balancing Pitta and Kapha.
III. Herbal and Rasayana Therapies: Certain Stabilizing Herbs (Garbhasthapaka Dravyas) are prescribed in these therapies. This regimen utilizes specific Ayurvedic
preparations that counteract factors harmful to the foetus. Herbs, such as
Brahmi and Shatavari, are routinely used to prevent spontaneous abortion.
IV. Ayurveda Therapies: Certain Ayurveda Therapies help in reducing the stress factor, which at times, is the primary underlying causative factor of Infertility and Miscarriage.
“Don't let another pregnancy slip away by embracing Ayurveda. Book a
Consultation with Dr. Mayuri Nigam and Dr. Nilesh Nigam at Navyam Ayurveda,
Lucknow, to get a time-honoured guided Pregnancy Care Plan!”
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