How to be healthy in pregnancy – avoid stress and some foods
I AM 29 and pregnant for the fourth time, but I have no children as I’ve had three miscarriages. I’m under a lot of pressure from my motherin-law to have a healthy, successful pregnancy. Please help. TN YOUR horoscope indicates you will have a child.
It is important for all around you to be understanding, especially those close to you.
Any undue stress will affect the baby. So it is necessary for your husband and mother-in-law to be sensitive to your pregnancy.
It is well known that many mothers become nauseous and moody in pregnancy. Support from family is vital during this time.
Everything should be done for the ultimate health and benefit of the baby.
To ensure this pregnancy will result in a healthy, divine and happy child, try to do the following as often as possible. Along with your normal diet and your doctor’s advice, the best foods to eat during pregnancy are:
• Coconut – eat as much as you can at any time of the day. According to ancient Indian beliefs, it makes the baby’s eyes beautiful, enhances other features and improves the complexion. But it is better to have coconut water.
• Oranges – eat a few sweet oranges, mandarins or naartjies every day before sunset. This will help give the baby a glowing skin.
• Apples – having one every day will improve the skin.
• Grapes – have these after lunch on sunny days, especially in summer, for rosy cheeks.
• Almonds – eat a dozen or so every morning to improve the baby’s nervous system and mental capacity (IQ). These should be soaked overnight in water, peeled and chewed. You can also grind the almonds and mix them with milk. The “almond milk” is good for the baby’s overall good health.
• Figs – have two (soaked overnight) in water every day with your breakfast. They are very healthy.
• Pistachios (5-7) and walnuts (2-4) taken throughout a pregnancy are healthy as they contain vitamin E and omega 3 oils among other things and will help to make the baby strong.
• Fennel seed (soomf) – have a tablespoonful after lunch and dinner, to aid digestion and improve skin colour.
• Carrots, spinach and beetroot should be juiced together in a ratio of 2:2:1 and drunk every day for a healthy, fair skin and strong immune system. Do not eat or drink anything else half an hour before or after having the juice.
• Water – drink plenty every day to have a healthy, happy baby.
Aside from these, a pregnant woman should avoid any stress and get enough sleep.
Foods to avoid are:
• Pawpaw – believed in the southern part of India to often cause miscarriages.
• Yoghurt – according to the Ayurveda, this should be eaten only in summer and should be avoided in winter, after sunset and on cloudy or rainy days because it generally causes coughs and colds.
• Tomato – according to the Ayurveda, its acid increases joint pain and contributes to pregnancy-related swelling.
In general, a pregnant woman should avoid all foods that are Ayurvedically considered extremely hot or cold. Examples are cloves and garlic (hot) or yoghurt (cold).
According to spiritual science, if a pregnant woman takes part in more spiritual activities, her baby becomes spiritual later.
Pregnancy is a critical time for a baby. During this time, a baby listens and absorbs knowledge very quickly. It’s the foundation phase for positive emotions.
They are more advanced than we think.
That’s why Vedic culture recommends reading the Ramayana, Bhagavada Gita or any spiritual book in accordance with your religion during pregnancy.
You can even complete them during the full course of pregnancy. If the books are heavy, sit and place them on a table to read.
Spiritual people say pregnant women should read in any position in which they feel comfortable and need not follow the usual rules.
During this time, you should have a picture of baby Krishna in your bedroom. Every morning when you get up, you will see the photo of Krishna first.
After bathing every day, you can offer a little curd and sugar candy to the Krishna.
You can chant any mantra of your Ishta-dev (favourite deity). You should include at least one mantra of Lord Krishna, especially the Santana-gopal mantra.
Most importantly, you should always have positive emotions at this time. Avoid any stress, fear, unhappiness or anxiety. Babies pick up emotions very quickly. Medical science agrees on this. So be happy during this time. Readers can send their name and surname, religion, date, place and time of birth and the advice they require to: Mahesh Bang, Tribune Herald, PO Box 47549, Greyville, 4023, or e-mail tribuneherald@ inl.co.za or call him at: 083 659 2277 or 031 401 8888