It is generally believed that it is safe to practice Ayurveda during pregnancy since most of the guidelines are similar to those given by many doctors. If anything, some of the details of this type of lifestyle might be considered overly conservative for many pregnant women, as the guidelines tend to err on the side of caution. For example, it is usually advised that pregnant women following Ayurveda abstain from any medications unless they are necessary for the wellbeing of the mother or unborn child. A healthy diet is also advised, with plenty of milk, fruit, and leafy green vegetables. Additionally, most women using Ayurveda during pregnancy are told to relax, wear loose clothing, and getting massages from qualified masseuses when possible.
Modern medicine usually suggests that pregnant women take as few medications as possible, unless they are necessary, and Ayurveda guidelines tend to agree. Aside from the fact that some medications can be dangerous to the unborn baby, it is also considered important to keep impurities and unnatural products out of the body in general. Of course, those following Ayurveda during pregnancy are still advised to listen to their doctor, taking medication when the advantages to the baby outweigh the risks. Additionally, it is usually deemed okay by Ayurveda rules to take pregnancy-safe remedies for issues like constipation, asthma, and edema.
One of the most important factors of Ayurveda during pregnancy is the diet, as pregnant women are encouraged to eat only natural, healthy foods. For example, it is thought that the consumption of milk during pregnancy will prompt the production of breast milk after delivery. Extra protein is also often advised, so meat, eggs, leafy green vegetables should typically be eaten by those following Ayurveda during pregnancy. On the other hand, fried or greasy food is usually discouraged on this type of diet, as well as any food that the woman finds difficult to digest.
Typically, women who opt to use Ayurveda during pregnancy are often told to try to relax since a calm, healthy environment is best for the baby. For this reason, those who teach Ayurveda claim that wearing loose, comfortable clothes and taking frequent baths in an attempt to stay stress-free is helpful. Additionally, occasional massages should be sought in order to keep a calm frame of mind, though they should only be given by masseuses who have experience with pregnant patients. On the other hand, one Ayurveda ideal that tends to clash with modern medicine is that pregnant women should avoid sexual contact, especially after the second trimester. The claim is that it can cause fetal distress, which most doctors deny, though staying on the safe side by abstaining is also not necessarily a bad move.
