The period of pregnancy and childbirth is a delicate one, both for the mother and the baby. These days, the lifestyle of people has changed a lot which causes numerous health issues such as miscarriage, pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature labor, preeclampsia, oligohydramnios, etc.

An article published recently in the International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine discusses about the antenatal care in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Garbhposhaka bhava refers to the factors which enhance the growth and development of fetus. Garbhopghatkar bhava refers to the things that can have adverse effects on the health of the fetus. Garbhposhaka bhava - Every pregnant woman should follow certain rules for a healthy pregnancy. From the first day of conception, a woman should cherish a clear joyful spirit in a clean body. She should engage herself in doing of peaceful things. The couch and bed of a pregnant woman should be low, soft and guarded with pillows from all sides. The woman should live in devotion of Gods, and her elders.

There are some drugs that, when taken with milk, reduce the chances of miscarriage. These are the Garbhsthapaka drugs. Garbhopghatkara bhava includes things which should be avoided during pregnancy in order to avoid any complications. A pregnant woman should avoid dreadful sights and painful or agitating sounds and use of dry, stale, putrefied food. Foods heavy for digestion should be avoided during pregnancy. Surana (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius), garlic, and onion should also be avoided in pregnancy. Exercise, sex, anger, sorrow, excessive walking, and jumping are not good for health during this period.

To summarize, Ayurvedic literature advises to take proper rest, avoid exercise, and take proper diet during pregnancy since the growth and development of the fetus depends on the dietary habits and lifestyle of the mother.