After the diagnosis, the doctor sets out to treat the patient in a very systematic manner. This would include a set of appropriate Panchakarma treatments and Rasayana therapies.

The Panchakarma Treatments are meant to flush out the toxins, They are classified as pre-purification, main purification and post purification phases and include various types of therapies like oil massages, fermented liquid massages, medicinal enemas, herbal purification methods.

The Rasayana Therapies are meant to nourish the body, to bring the doshas back to balance and to regenerate the body.These comprise diet regulations, daily regimens, intake of oral medicines and ayurveda tonics, yoga and a stress free life. After the treatment the ayurveda doctors will advise you how to lead a healthy life. The beneifts and results of the treatment are shown only after the Rasyana Treatment is over and doctors advise is strictly followed. The results will manifest itself normally after 3 to 4 weeks as the body takes time to regenerate itself.

Pre -purification therapies are the first ones applied to loosen the toxins, open up the circulation channels and get the body ready for discarding these wastes. These methods are highly relaxing for the body and mind. A few of the following pre- purification methods usually adopted for pregnant women are:

Abhyangam treatment or whole body massage with ksheerabhala thailam or with vasthimadhu thailam is done on pregnant women as a pre purification treatment. It improves blood circulation, rejuvenates the whole body, induces sound sleep, reduces stress and removes toxins. Guduchi, guggulu, pipali,amaltas, etc are some of the medicinal herbs used in abhyangam.

Udvarthanam is body massage with herbal powder lasting for nearly thirty minutes. The most commonly used powder is thriphala, a mixture of gooseberry, belerica and myrobalan.

Main purification therapies for Pregnancy Care

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This is the phase of elimination of toxins that were loosened at the pre purification treatment stage. These therapies are highly potential methods and are usually overseen by doctors. The commonly adopted Panchakarma treatments for pregnant women are: Vamanam and Virechanam and Vasthi.

Vamanam also known as therapeutic vomiting is a method of treatment in ayurveda that eliminates the vitiated doshas (waste products) through the upper gastro-intestinal track. It expels and cleanses undigested food. Herbs generally used in vamanam include - emetic nut, sweet flag, liquorice etc.

Vasthi is an enema therapy and is considered the ace colon cleaning panchakarma treatment. In this form of treatment special medicines are introduced through the anal route for the evacuation of accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes. It is highly recommended in the treatment of pregnancycare

Virechanam is the purgation using oral intake of safe herbal medicines. This eliminates poisonous wastes through the anal route. Generally, the herbs used are turpith, embellia fruits, ginger, cardamom, long pepper, cinnamon etc.

These are body nourishing therapies to rejuvenate the body and mind after the Panchakarma treatments. They keep the enzymes in the tissue cells in their normal functioning condition, restore and balance the body functions and maintain the overall health and well being of an individual for much longer periods after the Panchakarma course. Rasayana therapy also includes oral medicines and diet regulation.

Oral medicines for Pregnancy Care

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Oral medicines form an important part of any ayurvedic treatment. Oral medicines for pregnant women will be extracts of pure medicinal herbs, leaves, spices etc. Kashayam and Arishtam - herbal decoctions and fermentations Lehyams – semi solid formulation are commonly prescribed.

Amaltas, aswaghanda, guduchi, brahmi, nutgrass,Asparagus, liquorices, gooseberry, etc are some of the medicinal herbs used in the preparation of Kashayam, Lehyams and Arishtam for the use of pregnant women. Aswaghanda and guduchi are to be taken by the mother from the fourth to the seventh month as these strengthen the uterine muscles and nourish the embryo.

Pregnant women should realize that it is from the end of the third month onwards that the foetus starts showing distinct development and sensory perceptions. Motor reactions start developing and it is during this time that heartbeats can also be heard. Tissues are formed in the fourth month, blood and muscles in the fifth, fatty tissues in the sixth and by the seventh month foetal growth is complete. Skin, hair and nails can be noticed at this stage.

The type and quantity of the medicines to be taken are decided by the doctor after a detailed consultation and examination. The patient’s body type, age etc are also important factors to be considered. 

Diet regulation will be suggested for pregnant women. Ayurveda diet provides adequate nutrition as well as rest for the needed organs. The food consumed will have high concentration of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

The embryo is nourished directly through the umbilical cord. The food the pregnant woman consumes has to be highly nutritious as the physical and mental growth of the child is determined by the type and quantity of food consumed. Consumption of liquid diets and fruits that are easily digested are recommended at this time. Consumption of medicated ghee is encouraged. Pregnant women should take care to avoid constipation at all costs and incase she is affected, mild laxatives can be taken.

In the first month, milk and a light diet is recommended; in the second and third months, milk medicated with life-building herbs such as Vidari, Shatavari (Asparagus), Yashtimadhu (Licorice) and Brahmi are prescribed along with honey and ghee. Brahmi helps in calming the nerves and is also a good prajasthapan (sustainer of pregnancy).

Ayurveda considers consumption of milk to be of utmost importance as it is a source of calcium, protein, lactose and butter fat. Milk is a complete food and can be consumed at any time. From the seventh month onwards, consumption of fat and salts should be reduced. However, rice kanji with ghee is beneficial. Also herbs such as gokshura and sariba that are mild diuretics and urinary antiseptics can be taken during this period. Medicated ghee preparations (Griha) like phala sarpis, kalyaanaka gritham and sukha prasava gritham can be consumed.

One should consume large amounts of water through out the day as this will help to flush out the waste matter through the urine. The intake of fruits should be increased. However, it is the ayurveda doctor who will prescribe the most suitable diet for the pregnant woman. You can find out your type of Prakruthi and decide a diet for yourself Yoga, meditation and Life Style.

Yoga and life style for Pregnancy Care

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form a vital constituent of all ayurveda treatments and is especially beneficial for pregnant mothers. Mountain pose, Triangle pose, Warrior pose, Standing side stretch, Forward bend pose, Corpse pose, Cat pose and Fish pose are recommended during pregnancy.

Yoga and meditation are proven and effective ways to develop and maintain perfect harmony and balance in body systems. It improves emotional health of the pregnant women, reduces pregnancy side effects like headaches, fatigue and constipation, provides immunity against all diseases and alters brain wave activities reflecting in an increased relaxation and a better focused mind.

Life style: The pregnant mother should always remain calm, cool and mentally happy. She should avoid mental stress, heated arguments, tension and worry as the mental health of the offspring will relate to that of the mother. A regular massage is recommended as also steam baths. She should also maintain personal hygiene and take utmost care to maintain good bowel movements. She should be careful in her movements and should avoid falling to the ground or meeting with accidents.

Light exercises such as walking and swimming are recommended as these can reduce the length of labor, reduce recovery time and provide stamina needed for delivery. Studies have revealed that exercises can reduce the risk of pre mature birth by about 50 %. The pregnant mother should avoid strenuous exercise, late nights, too much television and other stimulating experiences.