Ayurveda and Pregnancy Planning – If you have decided to welcome a new one or are on the journey of pregnancy, then this post is for you. Of course, you need a doctor for your health needs. However, ayurvedic practice during pregnancy improves your and your child’s health and reduces risk.
It is believed that Ayurveda during pregnancy improves mental, physical, and spiritual growth throughout the process. The science of Ayurveda has everything to do with pregnancy in all its natural ways, as the practice is driven by our connection to nature. In fact, the three Ayurvedic doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—each govern one of the three trimesters of pregnancy.
In this post, we’ll go over the relationship between the doshas in each trimester and what you can do best to take care of your body and your growing baby during this momentous time in your life.
Also Read: Body Types – According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda and Pregnancy Trimesters
The First Trimester – Vata Dosha
Vata is the dosha of movement, and in many ways, pregnancy embodies this quality. Your body shifts rapidly as it makes room for the life growing inside you. In fact, you will experience an increase in the qualities of all three doshas during your pregnancy. But that growth in itself is all about movement, which brings us back to Vata.
The Vata dosha needs more attention during pregnancy, as it affects the energy of the nervous system. Caring for Vata is best done with a diet of fresh, plant-based foods, whole or sprouted grains, and non-processed foods. Warm, freshly cooked foods with healthy oils like olive and coconut oil are good. A cup of warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee twice a day is said to improve the baby’s immunity, complexion, and vitality (Ojas).
During the first trimester, try to avoid a lot of travel, intense cardio, or even packing your schedule with tons of errands. Gentle exercises like walking and prenatal yoga will help you stay active while remaining grounded. Focus on grounding positions like mountain pose, warrior pose, and downward dog.
The Second Trimester – The Fiery Pitta
While the movement of the first trimester can elicit morning sickness and destabilizing feelings, the fire of Pitta impacts the second trimester most. This fire can manifest in indigestion, heartburn, and increased intensity in your emotions. This is the time to incorporate Pitta pacifying techniques to cool that agitation and fire down.
Even as you engage in these Pitta pacifying tips, remember that strong emotions are normal and okay. In fact, you can honor them. Think about it – by the end of the third month, the baby’s heart has formed. You have two hearts beating at the same time! According to Ayurveda, the baby can still remember past lives during this time. Whatever your spiritual practice may be, remember that it’s okay to feel strong during this time.
Favor nourishing and cooling foods like corn, cucumber, coconut water, and watermelon. Additionally, continue to drink high-quality milk. If you are experiencing cravings, Ayurveda encourages you to honor them. However, if you’re already experiencing heartburn or indigestion, try to avoid fried, excessively spicy, and acidic foods.
Continuing to engage in restorative yoga. Long, slow stretches will also ease an agitated fire. Try to connect with your sense of spirituality. This can mean speaking affirming mantras, praying, and/or connecting to gratitude. Take your attention away from yourself for a moment to calm the fire in your mind.
The Third Trimester – The Grounded Kapha
Maybe you’re tired of having to move so slowly or dwelling on the discomforts of pregnancy. It’s important to understand that while it is true, the baby is too big for you to move quickly, you can still incorporate gentle movement into your routine to avoid feeling stuck.
Kapha possesses a wonderfully grounded quality that supports Ayurveda during pregnancy. However, when exacerbated, Kapha leaves us feeling stuck.
Because you’ve been growing and making room for your baby for 7-8 months, your digestive tract may be irritated. It is recommended to eat foods that are easily digestible, like cooked-down rice. Additionally, continue drinking milk.
As you slow down and prioritize rest, continue to incorporate gentle movement into your routine. You can start to add more heart-opening stretches into your yoga asana practice to relieve back and neck tension. Gentle walks are also great in order to keep you strong without adding any unnecessary tension to your muscles.
Whether you’re at the beginning or the end of the pregnancy, remember to prioritize rest. This is an emotionally, physically, and spiritually expansive time for your body. It is a truly beautiful process, even during the less-than-pleasant symptoms. If there’s a time to vigilantly honor all of your body’s needs, this is it.
Wishing you peace and vitality on your journey to motherhood!
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for trained medical practitioner opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. We do not claim any obligation for this information.
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