November 20, 2017
Dr. Harmandip Singh
19 min read

PREGNANCY CARE

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PREGNANCY CARE

pregnancy_carePREGNANCY CARE
Pregnancy care consists of prenatal (before birth) and postpartum (after birth) healthcare for expectant mothers.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care helps decrease risks during pregnancy and increases the chance of a safe and healthy delivery. Regular prenatal visits can help your doctor monitor your pregnancy and identify any problems or complications before they become serious.
Babies born to mothers who lack prenatal care have triple the chance of being born at a low birth weight. Newborns with low birth weight are five times more likely to die than those whose mothers received prenatal care.
Prenatal care ideally starts at least three months before you begin trying to conceive. Some healthy habits to follow during this period include:
• quitting smoking and drinking alcohol
• talking to your doctor about your medical conditions, dietary supplements, and any over-the-counter or prescription drugs that you take
• avoiding all contact with toxic substances and chemicals at home or work that could be harmful.
During Pregnancy
Once you become pregnant, you’ll need to schedule regular health care appointments throughout each stage of your pregnancy.
A schedule of visits may involve seeing your doctor:
• every month in the first six months you are pregnant
• every two weeks in the seventh and eighth months you are pregnant
• every week during your ninth month of pregnancy
During these visits, your doctor will check your health and the health of your baby.
Visits may include:
• taking routine tests and screenings, such as a blood test to check for anemia, HIV, and your blood type
• monitoring your blood pressure
• measuring your weight gain
• monitoring the baby’s growth and heart rate
• talking about special diet and exercise
Later visits may also include checking the baby’s position and noting changes in your body as you prepare for birth.
Your doctor may also offer special classes at different stages of your pregnancy.
These classes will:
• discuss what to expect when you are pregnant
• prepare you for the birth
• teach you basic skills for caring for your baby

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Postpartum Care

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While most attention to pregnancy care focuses on the nine months of pregnancy, postpartum care is important, too. The postpartum period lasts six to eight weeks, beginning right after the baby is born.
During this period, the mother goes through many physical and emotional changes while learning to care for her newborn. Postpartum care involves getting proper rest, nutrition, and vaginal care.
Getting Enough Rest
Rest is crucial for new mothers who need to rebuild their strength. To avoid getting too tired as a new mother, you may need to:
• sleep when your baby sleeps
• keep your bed near your baby’s crib to make night feedings easier
• allow someone else to feed the baby with a bottle while you sleep
Getting proper nutrition in the postpartum period is crucial because of the changes your body goes through during pregnancy and labor.
The weight that you gained during pregnancy helps make sure you have enough nutrition for breast-feeding. However, you need to continue to eat a healthy diet after delivery.
Experts recommend that breast-feeding mothers eat when they feel hungry. Make a special effort to focus on eating when you are actually hungry — not just busy or tired.
• avoid high-fat snacks
• focus on eating low-fat foods that balance protein, carbohydrates, and fruits and vegetables
• drink plenty of fluids

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Herbal or Ayurveda capsule is very helpful in the Pre-natal, During pregnancy and Post-partum care.
Each 500 mg capsule contains

1. Asparagus Racemosus 80mg

2. Ipomoea digitata 80 mg

3. Trapa bispinosa 80 mg

4. Emblica Officinalis 40 mg

5.Sida cordifolia 50 mg

6.Withania somifera 50 mg

7. Glycyrrhiza glabra 50 mg

8. Hemidesmus indicus 50 mg

9. Tribulus Terrestris 20 mg

Role of each ingredient in the above health condition.

1. Asparagus Racemosus
Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus) is a powerful therapeutic agent, which is of great importance in Ayurveda. It promotes overall well-being and good health. It is one solution to many health conditions. Shatavari means ‘acceptable to many’.
Shatavari is a special female tonic because it helps women of all age groups to transit through natural phases of life very gracefully. Shatavari roots are very helpful during menstruation because it relieves abdominal cramps and spasms. It strengthens the uterus. During lactation, it stimulates the production of breast milk. The last but not the least it also helps women during menopause.
Research has found that Shatavari is a traditional healer and it possesses a wide range of biological activities which includes antifungal, antitumor, diuretic and immunostimulatory effects (stimulates the immune system and fights against infections). Besides this, Shatavari is also commonly used in the treatment of nervous breakdown, diarrhea, dysentery, and rheumatism. It is considered a galactagogue that is it increases the production of breast milk in lactating mothers. Such beneficial effects of Shatavari is attributed to the presence of various health-promoting compounds present in it such as saponins, amino acids, sulfur-containing acids, flavonoids, and oligosaccharides.
In Ayurvedic literature, Shatavari is considered as a galactagogue (milk enhancing substance) that is it increases the production of breast milk in lactating mothers. A hormone called ‘prolactin’ is responsible for the promotion of milk secretion in lactating mothers. Lactogenic effect of Shatavari is attributed to the presence of two important constituents present in SHATAVARI-STEROIDAL SAPONINS and SAPOGENINS.
A very interesting research showed that Shatavari root powder in the form of capsules was given to women with deficient breast milk production. These capsules were given 3 times a day with milk and this was continued for 30 days. The results showed that Shatavari root capsules had a positive effect on prolactin hormone levels in lactating mothers. The increase in the prolactin hormone level was 3 times higher in lactating mothers who were given Shatavari root capsules as compared to those who were not on Shatavari. In addition to this, no side effects or toxic effects were observed in lactating mothers who were on Shatavari capsules.
Shatavari is very commonly known as a female tonic. Shatavari increases female libido, moistens dry tissues of sexual organs, reduces and cures inflammation of sexual organs, and enhances ovulation. Thus, Shatavari is very beneficial for female infertility. It also prevents female miscarriages and prepares the womb for conception. Furthermore, post-birth delivery it normalizes uterus and hormone levels in women and also increases lactation. Shatavari is also very useful in the treatment of problems related to menstruation such as irregular bleeding, premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Thus, it reduces abdominal cramps and spasms that usually take place during menstruation. (9)

2. Ipomoea digitata
Alligator Yam, Milky Yam and Vidari, Vidari-Kanda are few common names of plant Ipomoea digitata. Ipomoea digitata is grown as an ornamental plant. The plant is an extensive perennial climber with large lobed leaves and beautiful pink or purple flowers.
Ipomoea digitata is used as medicine in Ayurveda and Southeast Asia for treatment of liver and spleen enlargement. It is also given in gynecological ailments such as abnormally long and heavy menstrual periods at regular intervals. The plant is used as aphrodisiac, tonic and increasing breast milk. For the medicinal purpose, the tuberous roots of the plant are used.
The plant produces phytochemicals which have similarities in activity with the estrogen. This justifies its use in the treatment of diseases related to the female reproductive system.
Vidari or Aligator Yam is a medicinal plant with expectorant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant (seizures preventive) and aphrodisiac properties. The roots of the plant have action on fat, muscles and reproductive system.
1. The roots of the plant are used to increase the quantity of breast milk.
2. The root powder is given in emaciation, debility, poor digestion.
3. The dried roots are boiled in milk, added with ghee, sugar and given to improve weight and moderate menstrual discharge.
4. The root powder is mild purgative and useful in constipation.
5. In spermatorrhoea (involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm), the juice of fresh root is given with cumin/jeera and sugar.
6. The roots are used in preparation of several Ayurvedic medicines like Phala Ghrita, Dhanvantara Taila,

3. Trapa Bispinosa
Water caltrop, Water chestnut or Singhara is a fruit of a freshwater aquatic plant. It is native to Asia but has spread to many parts of the world in both temperate and tropical areas. In India, it is cultivated in tanks, lakes, ponds, river etc. for its edible fruits.
Water caltrop is very nutritive and offers numerous health benefits. It is indigenous to India and used in Ayurveda to cure various diseases. In Ayurveda, use of Singhara is mentioned in ancient classical texts. Charak gave it for infertility, impotency, painful urination, excessive urination, cough, consumption and as a tonic to cure weakness and fatigue. As it is cooling, reduces excessive pitta it helps in bleeding disorders, hemorrhages, and abnormal bleeding from the uterus.
Singhara is very beneficial for women. Due to its nutritive, strengthening, and cooling properties it increases fertility and chances of conception. It is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamin B, C, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iodine and helps to stabilize pregnancy and prevent abortion. Singhara is also used for treating diarrhea, dysentery, thyroid problem, swelling, and bronchitis. It is a natural antioxidant, prevents wrinkles, protects from UV rays and helps to cure weakness.
Water Chestnut or Singhara offers numerous health benefits as it contains high quantity of minerals, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, sodium and potassium, vitamin B-complex (thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, nicotinic acid), vitamin-C, vitamin-A, saponins, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, protein, carbohydrates etc.
1- Good for the pregnant woman
Singhara is highly beneficial in pregnancy. It not only gives nutrition to growing fetus but also protects pregnancy and decreases the risk of threatened abortion. It makes developing baby healthy and strong.
2- Good source of energy
Singhara is very rich in carbohydrate and 100 gm of it gives 115 calories.
3- Good for overall health
It is rich in protein, carbohydrate, and minerals. Ayurveda says it contains 22 percent more mineral compared to buffalo milk.

  1. EmblicaOfficinalis (AMLA)EMBLICA OFFICINALIS is an important ingredient of Rasayana (rejuvenating) ayurvedic medicines.
    Medicinal parts of Amla are fruits, seeds, flowers, leaves, and bark. The fresh fruit pulp is used in different ayurvedic preparations. Dried rind of fruits is ground to make powder and used as Amla Churna (Amla Powder).
    EMBLICA OFFICINALIS is very well known for its high vitamin C content, which is a very potent antioxidant. 100 ml of Amla juice contains 480 mg Vitamin C, which is more than any other citrus fruit. Besides vitamin C, Amla is also a rich source of polyphenols that possess antioxidant properties.
    A combination of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and polyphenols help to fight against oxidative stress, stimulates the immune system and keeps diseases and disorders at bay. Oxidative damage to the cells reduced in the presence of EMBLICA OFFICINALIS extract. Such effect was due to the presence of antioxidants that scavenge free radicals.
    Superoxide radicals are very harmful radicals that cause damage to the cells. Research has shown that treatment with EMBLICA OFFICINALIS increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme that combats oxidative stress. Higher doses of this extract were able to protect the cells better.
    The phenolic compounds present in EMBLICA OFFICINALIS have been proved responsible for antioxidant activity.
    Emblica Officinalis is helpful in following health conditions.
    A headache with burning sensation
    A migraine with pulsing and throbbing pain
    Anxiety
    Memory loss
    Mental fatigue
    Vertigo along with gastritis, burning sensation, heartburn or acidity
    Anxiety with mental irritability and restlessness
    Depression with aggressive reactions
    Insomnia due to excess heat
    Irritability, especially due to hot season
    Violent mental agitation
    ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)5. Sida cordifolia

Bala (Sida cordifolia) is a valuable medicinal herb of Ayurveda. It is a useful herb to treat the broad variety of ailments such as Vata roga, Pitta roga, bronchial asthma, fever, dry cough, nervous debility, infertility, emaciation etc. Bala is used in the formulation of medicated oil for treating joint pain, swelling and massaging.
Sida cordifolia is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate the conditions in which we should avoid it.
1. Analgesic: Pain relieving.
2. Anti-asthmatic: Treat or prevent asthma attacks.
3. Anticatarrhal: Remove excess mucus from the body.
4. Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.
5. Antioxidant: Neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals and other substances.
6. Antirheumatic: Alleviating or preventing rheumatism.
7. Antispasmodic: Used to relieve spasm of involuntary muscle.

8. Aphrodisiac: Stimulates sexual desire.
9. Appetizer: Improves appetite.

Sida cordifolia is known as Bala in Ayurveda as it is Balya and gives Bal or Strength. It is a sweet tonic that builds body. Bala is sweet and nourishes the deeper reproductive tissues.

  1. GlycyrrhizaGlabraLiquorice (also spelled as Licorice, botanically Glycyrrhiza Glabra, also known as Mulethi in Hindi and Yashtimadhu in ancient texts is an important herb used in Indian medicines, home remedies and folk medicines. The health advantages of Liquorice include its use in acidity, ulcer, general unfitness, joint pains and a few different diseases. It is useful for these diseases owing to its medicinal properties. It is anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. It also acts as antacid and aphrodisiac.
    • Provides sensible strength and immunity
    • Enhances color and complexion
    • Good aphrodisiac will increase the quantity and quality of semen
    • Relieves tiredness/exhaustion, provides energy
    • helpful in relieving wasting disorders, degenerative diseases
    • Good expectorant expels phlegm from lungs, heals respiratory diseases
    • Good for heart health prevents damage from LDL cholesterol (Bad fat), Discourages clogging plaque formation which can damage heart
    • Enhances immunity by boosting levels of antiviral drug that is the key chemical of the system that fights off viruses• Externally it has been effectively used in eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis
    • Mild laxative
    • It has antidepressant compounds and helps in avoiding depression
    • Good Brain Tonic
    • Blood-purifier will increase quality and quantity of blood, helpful in bleeding disorder
    • Relieves a cough, chest congestion, sore-throat
    • Anti-pyretic
    • Relieves dysuria
    • Promotes longevity of life
    • Promotes fracture healing.The high content of the phenolic component in ethanolic extract of Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L) is responsible for its powerful antioxidant activity by means of significant free radical scavenging, hydrogen-donating, metal ion chelating, anti-lipid peroxidative and reducing abilities. Liquorice flavonoids have exceptionally strong antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity of licorice flavonoids was found to be over 100 times stronger than that of antioxidant activity of vitamin E.
    In combination with other herbs very beneficial in the treatment of chronic diseases.
  2. Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera)Ashwagandha (also known as Indian ginseng) is used in the ancient system as a crucial part of ayurvedic treatment for many health conditions. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is Rasayana (potent rejuvenative agent). It is acknowledged to increase the vitality and longevity. It improves memory, preserves mental functions and increases intelligence. It protects the brain from degeneration and dementia. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is widely used in all inflammatory disorders.
    .
    Various type of health-promoting compounds is gift present in different parts of Ashwagandha plants. Roots of Ashwagandha contains volatile oils, amino acids, alkaloids, and starch. Ashwagandha leaves loaded with flavonoids and tannins. these tannins and flavonoids act as anti-oxidant and neutralize the free radicals. they assist to fight against stress and cut back the level of inflammation.
    Various studies have shown positive results for the stress-reducing activity of ashwagandha. A human trial with 64 healthy subjects discovered the impact of ashwagandha on stress, anxiety, and depression. Out of 64, thirty-two subjects were treated with ashwagandha for sixty days.
    At the tip of treatment, it was found that the level of stress hormone ‘cortisol’ had reduced considerably within the cluster treated with ashwagandha. A big reduction in numerous measures of stress such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder was observed. Furthermore, no harmful or toxic effects were found when consumed ashwagandha for 60 days. Thus, ashwagandha root extract has the ability to enhance the well-being of an individual.
    It has been found that ashwagandha plays a vital role in strengthening the muscles. Ashwagandha capsules when given to subjects for thirty days resulted in the increase in muscle mass activity and increased muscle force in the upper extremity, lower extremity and trunk region. The improvement was also observed in hand grip strength. A reduction in body fat percentage and increase in muscle mass was observed. This clearly indicates that ashwagandha promotes muscle activity and strength. The exercise intensity and tolerance also improved. Thus, aged people who have less muscle strength can use ashwagandha.

8.Hemidesmus indicus
Hemidesmus indicus or Anantmool is a semi-erect and sometimes prostrate shrub with woody aromatic roots. The slender, numerous stem is terete with thick nodes. The leaves are very variable, opposite, and short-petioled. They are oblong-elliptic to linear-lanceolate. The flowers are green on the outside and purplish inside.
Manage disorders of the female reproductive system: It has good ability to manage a host of female problems including Menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhoea, and more. It helps augment the reproductive system and balances the doshas to make the person more agile and active.
Works as a diuretic: It helps you to pass urine freely. In this way, it flushes the body of the toxins and makes you strong against disease and infections.
§ The leaves of the plant are used for gums diseases in teeth.
§ It is used for hair growth, hair fall and adds nutrition to it.
§ Anantmool root powder is taken for the treatment of dysuria. Buy High-quality Dark Forest Anantmool Powder online.
§ It purifies breast milk in mother and increases the quantity of it by taking the powder every day.
§ It also cures eye diseases and infections when applied like kajal.
§ It is useful against jaundice, arthritis, rheumatism, body pain and abdominal pain.
§ Anantmool enhances appetite and clears problem with indigestion.
§ The plant is used for various kinds of skin diseases and infection such scabies, eczema, etc. It is also famous for its cleansing properties of skin and available in cosmetics and various facial packs. Buy Anti Pigmentation Face Pack (Mulethi, Amba Halad, Vekhand, Anantmool, Manjistha) for fair skin
§ Because of the antioxidant properties, Anantmool detoxifies the body.
§ Anantmool acts as an immune modulator and enhances the immunity of the body.
§ It purifies the blood.
§ The powder taken during pregnancy enhances the complexion of the newborn baby.

9. Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is an herbal medication known to possess a high medicinal value. It helps in the treatment of oligozoospermia. It is also used in the preparation of herbal medications that are used to treat diseases affecting the heart and kidneys. It is a natural cardioprotective agent that helps in the treatment and prevention of cardiac disorders. It can also be used to treat infective diseases. It helps in managing psychosomatic disorders like hypertension by reducing anxiety. Tribulus Terrestris acts as an adaptogen and reduces the effect of stress on the health of the patient.
Tribulus Terrestris is known to possess strong antibacterial properties. It can be used to treat infections of the skin, respiratory system, oral cavity, and the urinary system.
Tribulus Terrestris helps to treat infective disorders by producing an antibacterial action. It eliminates the bacteria and provides relief from the symptoms caused due to the infections.
The antibacterial activity of Tribulus Terrestris was assessed during a study. The synergistic effect of this plant with Glycyrrhiza Glabra and Capsella bursa-pastoris against oral pathogens was also evaluated.
In this study, the antimicrobial properties of the ethanol extracts of Tribulus Terrestris were studied against six pathogens including Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces Viscosus, Streptococcus Sanguis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia Coli, and Staphylococcus Aureus.
The antibacterial activities were examined using the good diffusion and disc methods. The minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts were also determined against these organisms using broth and agar dilution methods.
The results indicated that the Tribulus Terrestris extract could produce an effective antibacterial activity against these bacteria when used alone or in combination with Glycyrrhiza Glabra and Capsella bursa-pastoris.
The strains of organisms did not show resistance against these extracts, which indicated the potential of this herb as an antibiotic in the cases where the commonly used antibiotics have failed to produce any results. This study provided evidence to support the use of this herb in the management of infections.

Dose – One capsule twice daily with milk.

HS

Dr. Harmandip Singh

Ayurvedic practitioner and author with over 25 years of experience helping people achieve optimal health through natural, holistic approaches.

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