Diseases of Pregnancy and Delivery

There are many factors that can affect pregnancy and delivery or damage the fetus.  Injury, excessive vibrations, incorrect postures, lack of sleep, emotional distress (quarrels and fights), poor digestion, poor diet and defects in the paternal semen are examples.  Management of a pregnant woman requires caution.  As much as possible, diseases of pregnant women should be managed with a soft, sweet diet and pleasant surroundings.  Strong measures like emesis or bloodletting are used only in emergencies.

Raktasrava (Bleeding during pregnancy / Miscarriage)

Raktasrava refers to bleeding during pregnancy, and usually signifies miscarriage.  It has the character of Pitta and Vata along with blood defects.  It is treated with the general Pitta and Vata treatment together with blood cleansing remedies.  Additional medicines include cold compress, cooling medicated plasters or pessary and remedies against menorrhagea.  Specific remedies for raktasrava are chosen from the Kakolyadigana group of herbs mentioned in the Susruta Samhita, usually given with milk.  These include:

1. Kakoli bulb (Fritillaria cirrhosa)
2. Jivaka bulb (wild garlic / Allium wallichii, small)
3. Mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus)
4. Masaparni (Teramnus labialis)
5. Guduchi stem (Tinospora cordifolia)
6. Karkatashringi fruit gall (Pistacia intergerrima / Insect gall)
7. Vamsalochana (Bamboo manna / Bambusa breviflora)
8. Padmakam bark/fruit (Betula alnoides)
9. Jivanti leaf (lettuce / Lactuca sativa)

Garbhasrava (Miscarriage due to uterus dysfunction)

Garbhasrava refers to miscarriage, and is often caused by the diseases of the uterus.  Prevention of this problem is possible by good general health and lifestyle practices prior to pregnancy, as well as specialized methods used for the purification of the uterus and semen.  The woman who has a miscarriage has to be treated with the same methods used for puerperal diseases.

Garbhasphuranam (Vibrational harm to the embryo)

Any unusual vibration during early pregnancy can harm the embryo and lead to miscarriage.  For example, travelling in vehicles that vibrate roughly, shaking the mother, and rough sexual intercourse can all promote garbhasphuranam.  This disease has the character of Pitta along with blood defects and/or circulatory defects.  It is treated with the general measures to reduce Pitta together with blood cleaning remedies.  Herbs from the Utpaladi (lotus group) mentioned in the Susruta Samhita are the primary remedies used, usually taken with milk.  These include:

1. Raktotpalam (red lotus / Nymphaea rubra)
2. Padmam flower (white lotus / Nelumbo nucifera)
3. Saugandhika (good smelling lotus / Nymphaea spp.)
4. Kuvalaya (blue/white lotus / Nymphaea spp.)
5. Nilotpalam flower (blue lotus / Iris nepalensis)

Additional headings in this chapter*

Garbhaprashamsa (Ectopic Pregnancy / Dislocation Of Embryo)
Garbhaprasupti (Motionless Fetus)
Udavetavibandha (Constipation During Pregnancy)
Garbhakandu (Itching During Pregnancy)
Aprapannapara (Fixation Of Placenta)

*To acquire the complete contents of “Ayurveda In Nepal: The Bajracharya Samhita” please click here.