Four Pillars of Prenatal Care
Pregnancy is one of the most profound physical and emotional experiences of a women's life and a time ripe for tremendous growth. As the belly gets rotund, one can transform and grow incredibly from within too.
In the cycle of birth, life, living and loving, pregnancy is an interesting and focal time. The internal and external atmosphere should be carefully maintained by the mother and the rest of the family. This is a great time to become aware of oneself. The new life growing within is a huge motivator to taking many positive steps towards your well-being.
Ancient wisdom and modern thoughts come together in underlining the importance of all-around health of the mother leading to healthy and balanced progeny, the four pillars of prenatal care are-
1) Mental/Emotional Health - Staying around positive, caring, and happy people. Making an effort to defuse conflicts and walk away from unpleasant situations. Developing and promoting self-esteem and positive attitudes towards oneself and others. This can be done by reading and applying simple tools for self-betterment.
2) Sense Gratification -being aware of what we are taking in through our various senses is a prime focus during pregnancy. Making an effort to see what is pleasant, reading spiritual texts, listening to pleasing sounds. Creating and activating strength, bliss, and healing from listening to Mantras and harmonious music. If one likes essential oils, then diffusers can be used and aromas can be utilized to further enrich the atmosphere. Gentle massages, warm baths, and nature walks definitely be made part of one’s life. These will promote better circulation, digestion, etc, and keep the mother in a better state of fitness.
3) Balanced Diet - A well-rounded nutritious, home-cooked fresh diet should be followed. Avoiding preservatives and canned food is important. If one doesn’t drink enough water, this is a good time to start.
4) Yoga & Meditation- Gentle asana under proper supervision and after discussing with your Doctor, Alternate nostril breath, Meditation are all beautiful ways to connect with yourself and your baby. Pre and post-natal Yoga can provide a gentle and effective workout on all levels of Being. One can strengthen the musculature, maintain or increase flexibility, develop balance and coordination, benefit the organ systems, and promote relaxation.
The key is to tune into one’s body, breath, and baby and practice in a gentle and deliberate manner maintaining comfort.
Three elements of self-care that each of us must incorporate in our lives have a huge part to play in pregnancy. These are – Sunshine, Movement, and Water. Using these as much as possible the mother and baby will benefit greatly.
And as a final note - get enough rest.
Author - Sunila Vig