Discover Ayurvedic signs of pregnancy, Douhridaya, and holistic care for health.
Dr. Monisha V M
Pregnancy is a profound journey of transformation. Ayurveda discusses pregnancy in detail—from practices that need to be followed to achieve a healthy pregnancy to detailed descriptions of care for the woman after pregnancy. Knowing the signs and symptoms of pregnancy mentioned in Ayurveda will help you understand your pregnancy better. It will serve as a guiding light to follow the healthy path during pregnancy.
Ayurveda classics describes pregnancy as follows:
“Sukra shonita jeeva samyoge thu khalu kukshigatho garbha sanja bhavathi.”
Garbha is the term for an embryo or fetus, which is defined as the union of Shukra (sperm), Shonita (ovum), and Atma (soul) in the uterus. The process of the fetus developing from two cells to a mature fetus is called Garbhavakranti.
Ayurveda also gives a more authentic definition to Garbha (embryo) as
“ shudhe sukra arthave satwa swakarma klesacha udhithàha;
Garbha sampadyathe yuktivasha agniriva aaranou”
This is one of the beautifully written yet scientific verses about the foetus in Ayurveda. It is said that only Shudha (healthy) Shukra(sperm) and Arthava (ovum) can form an embryo. Prepurificatory procedures, or the process of preparing the body for pregnancy, which involves various physical, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments aimed at optimizing health and well-being, gain importance here.
The Atma (soul) impelled by the afflictions of its past actions enter this union of Shukra (sperm) and Arthava (ovum) to give rise to the formation of Garbha. And it can be understood only through Yukti (rational thinking) just like a spark is ignited from firewood.
Gradually, the development of the embryo happens through Satmya rasa upayoga (good nutrition ) and Achara of Garbhini (good regimens of pregnant women), leading to Bala (strength ), Varna (complexion ), Satwa (personality ) and Samhana (built) of the foetus.
Another concept pertaining to pregnant women is explained in Ayurveda. Read on to find out.
A pregnant woman is often defined as Douhridaya in Ayurveda.
“Dwi hridayacha naari dauhridini aachakshathe”
It refers that a pregnant woman has two hearts, one of her own and one of the fetus.
According to Ayurveda, the period of Dauhridaya starts once the Chetana (mind) is manifested in the fetus, and it starts in the fourth month onwards. Due to the presence of the mind, the fetus expresses certain likes and dislikes, which are presented by the Garbhini (pregnant lady).
The Hridaya (heart) of the foetus is of maternal origin and is connected to the Hridaya of the mother through Rasavaha nadi (foetal circulatory channels). So, the likings exhibited by the mother are the likings of the fetus itself.
According to Ayurveda, the gestation period, or Garbhavastha, encompasses a holistic understanding of fetal development influenced by the balance of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), the role of maternal health, and adherence to Ayurveda dietary and lifestyle practices. Ayurveda considers pregnancy a sacred process requiring careful nurturing of both the mother and the fetus to ensure physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
In Ayurveda, this stage aligns with the Kapha dosha, which governs growth and nourishment. During this time:
This phase reflects the Pitta dosha, which facilitates the metabolism, growth, and differentiation of tissues.
The Vata dosha dominates this stage, overseeing the development of the nervous system, lungs, and overall readiness for delivery.
Ayurveda considers a full-term pregnancy to last approximately 10 lunar months (around 280 days), which aligns with modern understanding. Texts emphasize maintaining mental peace, spiritual practices, and optimal dosha balance throughout pregnancy to ensure the baby inherits positive Guna (qualities).
Nowadays, If pregnancy is suspected, what would we do? Either a home pregnancy test or a visit to a healthcare provider for confirmation. Isn't?? But how can we suspect pregnancy is another big question!!
Ayurveda provides a list of signs and symptoms of pregnancy through which one can assess whether a viable life is growing inside your body or not.
Sadyo grihita garbha lakshana or immediate signs of pregnancy are described as follows :
Signs and symptoms after implantation are known as late pregnancy changes according to Ayurveda and are described as Vyakta garbha lakshana.
They are Stanayo krishnamukhata (darkening of nipples and areola), the appearance of secondary areola with enlarged sebaceous glands can be seen around breasts in a pregnant lady. Roma raji utgama (development of linea nigra). It is a dark vertical line that can appear on the abdomen of pregnant women. It typically runs from the pubic area up to the belly button or sometimes to the rib cage. It develops due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly the increase in melanin production stimulated by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Akshipakshmani nimeelyathe (repeated blinking of eyes), Gandhaan udwejaan shubhan (disliking even good smells) and increased salivation and tiredness. Ashtanga hridaya adds pedal oedema, heaviness of the breast with initiation of milk production also.
In the fourth month, the heaviness of the body rises. The pregnant lady should gain a weight of 8-18kg with an average of 11 kg. Weight loss is noticeable for the mother by the fifth month as the foetus gains weight by absorbing the lion's share of the nutrients. The complexion and general strength of the mother start declining by the sixth month as the foetus manifests its complexion and strength within the uterus. By the seventh month, garbhini (pregnant woman) becomes more drowsy as the foetus fully develops by absorbing the mother's nutrients. Accelerated growth of the foetus during the third trimester causes some mechanical discomfort to the mother.
Pregnancy can often be compared to a roller coaster ride, filled with dramatic highs and lows that evoke a range of emotions and experiences. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to unexpected mood swings, creating emotional highs and lows that feel intense and unpredictable. Ultimately, pregnancy is a journey filled with ups and downs, requiring patience, resilience, and adaptability. Embracing the ride, with all its unpredictability, can lead to a profound appreciation for the experience of bringing new life into the world. Each moment contributes to the beautiful story of motherhood.
Motherhood can bring a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose to a woman's life. It fosters unconditional love, nurturing instincts, and a profound connection to another being. Through the challenges and joys of raising a child, many women discover strengths and resilience they never knew they had. The experience often enhances empathy and selflessness, allowing them to form meaningful relationships and contribute to the growth of their families and communities. Ultimately, motherhood can be a transformative journey that enriches a woman's identity and sense of belonging.
FAQs
Ayurveda outlines specific early signs of pregnancy, including feelings of conception, a sense of satisfaction, heaviness in the uterus, increased pulsations, and retention of menstrual blood.
Douhridaya refers to the concept that a pregnant woman has two hearts—her own and that of the fetus—starting from the fourth month of pregnancy when the fetus's mind begins to develop.
In Ayurveda, pregnancy is defined as the union of Shukra (sperm), Shonita (ovum), and Atma (soul) in the uterus, leading to the formation of Garbha (embryo). The development occurs through proper nutrition and the good regimens followed by the pregnant woman, which influence the health and characteristics of the fetus.
