Āyurveda and Pregnancy
Āyurveda is a comprehensive guide to living a well-balanced life. Even in unpredictable circumstances, this
practice can lead you to a place of tranquility and ease. Pregnancy can be one of the most unpredictable
things a woman can experience. Āyurveda supports this process by helping you understand yourself and
your connection to the natural world. Each trimester brings unique insights and Āyurveda has tools to
better understand these changes.
One of the principles of Āyurveda is the five elements. These elements — ether, air, fire, water, and earth
— are the foundation of the universe and everything it contains.
Ether or space is the realm of all possibilities and manifestations. It has no physical value and exists between matter.
Air is the state of matter governing all mobility. This element is unconfined, keeping things moving and flowing.
Fire is the element of transformation. The radiance of fire sparks change and is needed for revitalization.
Water reigns over consciousness and cohesion. Its powerful force can smooth hard surfaces and lubricate the tightest of spaces.
Earth represents the state of stability and structural integrity. The grounding energy of this element connects us to the physical world.
Putting these elements together will result in the three doshas — vata, pitta, and kapha. These doshas are
found everywhere within us and in nature. In pregnancy, each trimester is governed by a different dosha.
Vata = ether + air and rules over the first trimester
Pitta = fire + water and rules over the second trimester
Kapha = water + earth and rules over the third trimester
Vata is the dosha of movement and change. During the first trimester, there is so much activity and hormonal shifts taking place to create the fetus. Excess movement in the mind can show up as racing thoughts and anxiety. In the body, it can feel like a constant state of ungroundedness. With morning sickness, nausea, and queasiness, it is vital to add practices that garner more stability.
VATA BALANCING TIPS:
Since vata is naturally cold, light, and dry, adding qualities that are warm, heavy, and moist will encourage balance. Try adding root vegetables to a warm stew. During meditation, add a weighted blanket to your legs to help you feel more grounded.
A simple way to bring ease to racing thoughts is Sama Vritti Pranayama. This breathing practice supports mental sturdiness and connection with oneself.
Start in a seated position. Breathing through your nose, inhale and count to 4.
Hold the breath for 4 beats then exhale for another 4 counts.
Hold the exhale again for 4 counts.
Repeat when you need more grounding energy.
Pitta fiercely transforms. It is assertive, passionate, and fiery. During the second trimester, there is a renewed sense of energy that can bring about more heat in the body and mind. This can manifest as heartburn, indigestion, or even anger. It is important to cool down when needed and practice vigorous self-care. Try to be conscious of when you’re resistant and overly critical. Give yourself grace.
PITTA BALANCING TIPS:
Because pitta is naturally hot, cooling beverages (not ice cold) like coconut water and milk are so nourishing. Instead of spices that are too heating for pitta, try using cinnamon, coriander, fennel, and turmeric. Turmeric is especially helpful for excess inflammation.
A great way to cool down is Shitali Pranayama. This practice helps to soothe the mind while removing excess pitta. It brings more serenity and may alleviate inflammation in the body.
Start in a seated position.
Breathing through your mouth, curl your tongue in a tube or place tongue behind teeth.
Inhale the breath through your tongue, then close your mouth and exhale.
Repeat whenever you need to cool down.
Kapha is the sturdy type and deeply rooted in the earth. During the third trimester, it is natural to feel heavy, lethargic, and vulnerable. Many clients of mine often share how much more sensitive they’ve become during this time. However, excess kapha can present swelling, feelings of deep sadness, and possessiveness. Practice compassion towards yourself, move your body, and trust your intuitive voice.
KAPHA BALANCING TIPS:
Kapha can get stuck in its ways and is resistant to change when not in balance. Adding variety to your routine may help alleviate stagnation. Try taking a brisk walk on a different path in your neighborhood. Drink warm ginger tea to help with digestion.
A cleansing ritual like Nadi Shodhana is perfect for shedding the overflow of kapha in the subtle body. It is excellent for all doshas and cultivates more fluidity of mind.
Start in a seated position.
With your right hand, bring the index and middle fingers to your palm.
Close the right nostril with the thumb and breathe in through the left nostril.
Holding the breath, use the ring finger to close the left nostril.
Remove thumb from the right nostril as you exhale.
Inhale through the right nostril.
Use thumb to close right nostril as you exhale through the left.
Repeat a few rounds. It can be awkward at first so give yourself room for error.
Vata, however, governs pregnancy as a whole and is elevated even more so postpartum. Because vata is so
dominant, heeding to a Sattvic —from Sattva, meaning pure— lifestyle is ideal. What types of practices
encourage this formation? Eating fresh, organic vegetables, consuming healthy fats, and spending time in
nature are great first steps toward achieving clarity and balance. Grounding practices such as earthing,
abhyanga, and meditation can work wonders at supporting pregnancy wellness. Listening to uplifting music
and sound baths, reading books that increase happiness, and nourishing yourself from the inside out are
beneficial for both you and baby. Try your best to keep a routine of 2 or more of these activities and see
how it goes!
JOURNAL PROMPTS:
What Sattvic practices can I add to my daily routine?
How am I nourishing myself everyday?
Write down 3 positive affirmations and repeat them when needed.