Pregnancy Conception

Ayurveda believes that pregnancy conception is not merely a physical phenomenon neither is it the sole responsibility of the woman who wants to conceive a baby. On the question of how to conceive a baby, Ayurveda has the clear opinion of nourishing the bodies of both men and woman who want to have a baby through their reproduction capabilities and organs. Both the mother and father-to be must enjoy a happy, blissful relationship with each other. Apart from the basic nutritional and emotional requirements, the couple in order to conceive a baby must have healthy ovum in case of women, healthy sperm in case of men and healthy genital and urinary organs (genitourinary tract) in case of both. Apart from a general healthy body, the main component of ovulation and reproduction is the 'Shukra Dhatu' or reproductive tissue, which is also the basis of pregnancy conception.

Shukra Dhatu to Conceive a Baby

According to Ayurveda, the 'Dhatu' or body substances produced in the metabolic process include- blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow and the reproductive fluid which is known as the 'shukra dhatu.' This shukra dhatu or the reproductive tissue is present in both men and women. In women, the shukra converts into ovum as part of her monthly menstrual cycle. In men, shukra dhatu converts into semen as a result of sexual activity or thoughts.

Although the main work of Shukra Dhatu in both men and women is pregnancy conception, there is one more role played by this substance in the body. In the chain of metabolic process, the food that a person eats gets converted into nutritional fluid referred to as 'Rasa' in Ayurveda. The rasa converts into rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), meda (fat), asthi (bone), asthi majja (bone marrow) and into the reproductive tissue that is the shukra dhatu in that order. The Shukra, apart from creating ovum and semen in female and male bodies, also produces 'Ojas' that is responsibile for optimum health-vigor, lightness, stamina, immunity, glowing skin, sparkling eyes, mental clarity, blissful emotions, and spiritual well-being. Without this very important ojas, the body of the woman and the man who want pregnancy conception, is not wholly prepared for conceiving a baby. Thus there are two types of shukra- the shukra that gets converted into ojas, and the shukra that gets converted into sperm or ovum. Both types of shukra exist in both men and women. Food is the basis of achieving all the 'dhatu' including “shukra' and 'ojas.' Therefore, Ayurveda recommends specific diet for achieving pregnancy conception as well as during pregnancy.

Diet for Healthy Pregnancy Conception

Ayurveda recognizes certain diet as well as Indian herbs that increase both, quantity and quality of shukra dhatu in men and women. This type of food, mainly recommended for pregnancy conception, is called 'Vrishya' and includes foods like asparagus, broccoli, milk and milk products. There are some spices too that are directly related to shukra dhatu and include ajwain seeds (carom seeds), cumin, turmeric and black cumin. Some spices and condiments are prohibited too such as coriander and large amounts of basil which is better avoided by those who want to conceive a baby. Too hot or spicy foods as well as heavy and cold food items such as ice-cream should also be avoided if wishing for pregnancy conception. A 'bringhana diet' that includes fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains and cereals, and healthy dairy proteins found in paneer (cottage cheese), milk, or curd is also recommended for positive effects on pregnancy conception. Herbs, main being Shatavari for women and Ashwagandha for men is recommended by Ayurveda to enhance egg and sperm quality and quantity.

Ovulation- The Ayurvedic View Point

Ovulation, as is commonly known, is the process in a woman's menstrual cycle through which a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and discharges an ovum or popularly called an egg. According to Ayurveda, menstruation is controlled by various doshas- Kapha, Pitta and Vata. Normal menstrual cycle in a healthy female consists of a period of 26-30 days. This menstrual period remains for about 3-5 days with moderate flow, moderate color, no clots and no discomfort or PMT. The menstrual cycle is divided into three phases by Ayurveda.

Kapha Phase: The period from when the menstruation ends (end of bleeding) until ovulation is the time when endometrium is formed and the kapha increases. The hormone oestrogen also increases. During this period, the female body restores strength and is prepared for pregnancy conception.

Pitta Phase: This is the actual ovulation period that lasts until the next menstrual period starts. The secretion of hormone progesterone is at its peak during this phase. This is the time when the female body is prepared for implantation of the fertilized egg by a health sperm from a male body.

Vata phase: This is the actual menstrual period when the egg breaks in absence of any contact with sperm. 'Apana vayu' or the force that regulates all downward movements in the body, pushes the menstrum down and out of the body.

Ovulation is the ideal period for pregnancy conception naturally. For this, the couple has to indulge in sexual activity during the most favorable time of ovulation that is considered to be during tenth and sixteenth day from menstrual period.