Garbhasanskara : Boon for pregnant woman

Abstract

Purpose: As the good nutritional food provides physical health, the unborn child in the womb require Sanskara to acquire mental health to thrive. The activity of mother during pregnancy in the form of prayer (good rational thoughts), Manshakti (positive emotion), conversation with fetus (talk) or expressing feeling (touch) is not only recognised by unborn baby but it has a positive effects on physical and mental health. Hence, Garbhasanskara is scientific way of moulding mental health of unborn child. Method: Ayurveda classics, textbook of obstetrics and internet publications were consulted and reviewed for carrying out the present work. Result: The sanskrit word 'Garbha' means fetus in the womb and Sanskara means educating the mind. So, Garbhasanskara essentially means educating the mind of the fetus. The fundamental principle underlying Garbhasanskara is that unborn baby is able to sense, feel, listen, dream, respond to outside stimulus. Even, Ancient Indian medicine has recognized the need for the mental, spiritual and physical preparation of mother-to-be for the momentous event of childbirth. Ayurveda describes this theory as "Supraja Janan" or eu-maternity. This "Supraja Janan" involves the preparation of couple planning pregnancy, 3 months prior to conception. It can be achieved by regular practice of Garbhasanskara which includes music therapy, Mantra therapy, proper Ahara and Vihara, Yoga and meditation. To develop the desired qualities in the baby every mother should follow the process of Garbhasanskara. Discussion: Garbhasanskara is a process of nurturing the baby in womb. It is also process of training the baby as well as mothers mind during pregnancy. It helps in positive state of mind throughout pregnancy, enhances chances of normal delivery, good health of mother during pre and post conception upto delivery and pregnancy occurs without any complication which is the need of current situation due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. So, a broad expanse of this is described in the present paper.