Ayurveda, the science of life, is a traditional system of medicine. Ashtang Ayurveda deals with eight branches of Ayurvedic treatment. Prasutitantra, that is the obstetrics and gynecology section, forms one of the main branches of Ayurveda. It is believed that the Ayurvedic methods or practices, if followed during pregnancy, will lead to a complication-free delivery. Ayurveda also states the ideal guidelines to be followed during pregnancy and the most appropriate time of conceiving a baby. It has suggested a very good protocol for that, which is called garbhini paricharya. Garbhini paricharya has given a detailed description of ahar (nutrition), vihar (life style) and vichar (thought process) to be followed by a women during pregnancy.
According to Ayurveda, the nutrition, lifestyle and thought process of the pregnant woman directly affect the development of the fetus. Apart from the specific emphasis on the three factors, the medications to be followed during the time of pregnancy are also given in some Ayurvedic texts. Peadiatrics is another important branch in Ayurveda, which focuses on the care that needs to be taken after the birth of the baby. Information on what to feed and the right way of feeding the baby is also provided in Ayurveda. In our related section, apart from pregnancy, fetal development and parenthood, the symptoms and remedies of menopause are also discussed.