Pre-conception and fertility in Ayurveda

The journey of motherhood is unique. Instead of leaving it to chance, Ayurveda advocates conscious conception — being healthy and inviting a healthy child into being, in mind, body and soul.

Ayurveda honors and acknowledges the higher universal forces that are part of the conception process. Conception in Ayurveda is spiritual as much as it is a physical process.

When does pregnancy start?

Pregnancy starts long before actual conception takes place. Cultivating a healthy and happy pre-conceptual period to ensure healthy progeny is of prime importance in Ayurveda.

According to the ancient Ayurvedic text Sushrut Samhita, a simile of a plant growing from a seed is used to explain human conception (Shareer, Chapter 2, verse 33). Just as a plant grows when seed, fertile land, nourishment and favorable time all come together, conception happens when four essential factors come together:

1. Ritu — Time; specifically the period of ovulation occurring from the 6th to 16th day after menstruation.
2. Kshetra — The land; the uterus and a healthy, well-primed endometrial bed.
3. Ambu — Nourishing fluids called Rasa, sourced from sufficient, unobstructed blood circulation.
4. Beeja — The seed; healthy sperm and healthy ovum from a healthy mother and father.

The amalgamation of all these factors with optimal qualities results in healthy conception and growth of a healthy fetus. The Ayurvedic ideal goes far beyond conception — the aim is to achieve pregnancy with ideal progeny. For this, a ritual named Pumsavana Karma has been described in ancient Ayurvedic texts.

Pumsavana Karma

Pumsavana karma is described in Ayurvedic texts to achieve: healthy conception; a healthy and stable pregnancy; and a physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong child.

Ritumaticharya — Lifestyle for conscious conception

After menstruation, from the 4th to the 16th day is called Ritukaal. This is described as the ideal period for conception. Ayurveda recommends a special lifestyle during this time called Ritumaticharya for women desiring conception:

1. Follow a daily routine with morning rituals — calming, cleansing and nourishing.
2. Take a shower every day or indulge in a natural fragrant bath.
3. Wear pleasing fragrances and anoint with fragrant herbal pastes.
4. Put on nice clothes and jewellery; decorate with colorful fragrant flowers.
5. Wear light-colored, clean clothes made from natural fibres like cotton, silk and wool.
6. Visit peaceful places of worship; connect through prayers, pious mantras and meditation.
7. Visit elders and receive their blessings.
8. Spend time with wise, joyful company — clearing confusion from the mind.
9. Such a lifestyle brings calm, joy and purity. When the mind and body are free from stress it creates a favorable environment for conception.
10. Ayurveda specially recommends joyful, quality time with one's partner.
11. Approaching intimacy with a calm and relaxed mind with a healthy partner greatly supports conception.
12. Healthy and nourishing food is very important. Eat fresh organic fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
13. Eat freshly cooked warm food. Avoid stale, microwaved, processed and chemically preserved foods.
14. Diet should include natural milk and dairy — research supports that full-fat dairy is associated with a lower risk of ovulatory infertility, while low-fat dairy products were associated with a higher risk.
15. Women should be mindful of what they bring into focus after the conclusion of menstruation — it affects the mind of the offspring.