Pregnancy is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that forever alters your life and introduces you to a new family member. Pregnancy brings tremendous emotions, making it even more unique for first-time mothers. During pregnancy, a woman’s body becomes delicate and requires ongoing medical attention and support. Pregnancy causes a variety of physical and emotional changes as you carry a new life inside you. This is the time when the mother’s body needs prenatal care and postnatal care to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

In recent years, pregnant mothers in the UAE prefer Ayurvedic wisdom fused with modern modalities to help them in their prenatal journey. This fusion is scientifically best for the mother and the baby as they get holistic care for mental and physical health.

Understanding Prenatal Care: Why It Matters

Prenatal care, also called antenatal care, is the whole range of care and assistance that a pregnant woman gets from the time she conceives until she gives birth. Pregnancy is a lengthy process that can be confusing and intimidating if not guided by experts. First-time mothers have many questions and anxieties; but, with the right advice and care, pregnancy can be a powerful experience.

Prenatal care in Dubai emphasizes that an expectant mother receives the best care available for both the mother and the baby. Prenatal care is personalized for every individual as per their needs, condition, and stage of pregnancy. This not only monitors a baby’s proper growth but also helps expectant mothers release stress, prevent anxiety and depression, and balance mood swings.

The Ayurvedic Approach to Pregnancy

Ayurveda views pregnancy as a spiritual journey called “Garbhini Paricharya,” which means full care for the mother-to-be. This old philosophy sees pregnancy as a delicate balance of physical, mental, and spiritual changes that need specific care at every stage.

DHA-certified wellness centers like Wealth Of Wellness create one-of-a-kind prenatal care programs for pregnant women that incorporate a variety of services that support whole-person care. Ayurvedic prenatal care is one of the most important services. It is tailored to each woman depending on her health, lifestyle, and other factors.Ayurvedic treatment also includes nutritional advice, which is very important for every mother to follow during this period to help the baby grow healthily.

The Ayurvedic philosophy stresses the importance of keeping the mother healthy and making sure the baby has the right conditions to grow. It balances the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), makes sure blood flows correctly, and creates a safe space for the mother and baby. 

Essential Components of Prenatal Care

1. Regular Monitoring

Pregnancy calls for constant monitoring of the mother, her health, and the baby growing inside her womb. Apart from mandatory medical evaluations throughout pregnancy, there are certain other aspects that also need to be taken care of, such as her mental health. This is a sensitive time for a woman, as she goes through many emotions that can lead to anxiety or even depression. Such conditions should be detected early and addressed under professional guidance.

2. Nutrition and Diet

As they say, “You are what you eat”; therefore, what you eat during pregnancy has a direct impact on both your health and your baby’s health. Prenatal care includes dietary guidance throughout the pregnancy.

Ayurvedic dietary guidelines for pregnancy emphasize the “sweet taste” because it is considered the most nourishing for the baby. This should not be misunderstood by its name; “sweet” does not mean consuming excessive sugar, but rather introducing wholesome foods containing natural sugars, such as fruits, nuts, dairy products, and whole grains. Warm milk with ghee is a traditional immunity booster that is believed to aid the mother’s health and the baby’s vitality.

Key Ayurvedic nutritional considerations beneficial for an expectant mother are:

– Sufficient protein intake from food items that are light on the stomach, such as dairy products, nuts, lean meats, and lentils.

– Consumption of iron-rich food items to prevent anemia, which is one of the most common conditions during pregnancy.

– Adequate folate sources such as green leafy vegetables and fortified grains to support placental development.

– Enough calcium intake for strengthening bone development.

Ayurveda is a delicate and precise science that should be given due importance and consideration. Therefore, Ayurvedic dietary consultations should only be taken from qualified practitioners. They recommend consuming food items that are easy to digest and help the mother’s body absorb more nutrients. The mother should be given warm, cooked food instead of cold, raw food, as it is gentler on the digestive system.

3. Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is becoming increasingly popular among pregnant women in the UAE, and with good reason. It includes gentle body workouts that provide several benefits in addition to physical conditioning.

Modified yoga positions during pregnancy serve to balance the body, while breathing exercises prepare the mother for labor. Certain poses target the pelvic floor muscles, which are essential for delivery. Prenatal yoga varies from regular yoga in that it is intended to accommodate a developing belly and shifting center of gravity.

According to research, expectant mothers who practice prenatal yoga regularly experience the following:

– Better sleep, which is often difficult to achieve, especially in the third trimester.

– Reduced stress and anxiety levels.

– Improved blood circulation and oxygen supply, leading to reduced swelling, especially in the feet.

– Relief from back pain and sciatica, which are among the most common pregnancy discomforts.

– Optimized preparation for labor through breathing techniques.

– Stronger and more flexible body for childbirth.

Prenatal yoga in the UAE helps eliminate the fear–tension–pain cycle, resulting in a lower pain experience during childbirth. Prenatal yoga also teaches you to trust your body’s natural ability to open during the delivery process and remain positive about the outcome.

Prenatal yoga classes in the UAE are more than simply a way to get physical advantages during pregnancy; they also help you connect with a community and learn from the experiences and travels of other mothers. It provides a secure and supportive setting in which you can express your pregnancy-related fears and concerns.

4. Abhyangam: The Ayurvedic Prenatal Massage

Abhyangam, a thousands-year-old Ayurvedic therapy that uses warm oil massage to soothe the mind and body, is a popular choice among pregnant women. Since its adoption for prenatal care, this massage has been very popular due to its numerous benefits.

It is not only known for its relaxing effects but also for medical benefits such as improved blood circulation, reduced release of stress hormones, and effective relief from pregnancy-related swelling. Visible results are often observed during the third trimester, when the baby’s growth is rapid. It is a medically approved therapy due to its gentle massage techniques and the use of skin-friendly oils.

Note: Avoid vigorous massage techniques during pregnancy and choose a certified wellness centre to experience Ayurvedic massage.

Benefits of prenatal massage:

– Relaxed body, and relief from tensed muscles and profound body aches. 

– Improved lymphatic drainage that removes pregnancy related swelling. 

– Better skin health and elasticity, potentially reduced stretch marks that no one likes. 

– Calmer body and mind aiding better sleep quality. 

– Better hormonal balance showing great results, such as lower stress, and elated mood.

Research shows that regular sessions of prenatal massage can be beneficial for the mother’s health as it reduces signs of stress, anxiety and depression. Also, enhances the mood by helping the body release hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.

The medicinal value of the oils used in Abhyangam is high, as they are infused with Ayurvedic goodness. Abhyangam massage oils may include ingredients such as sesame, coconut, olive, and almond oils. These ingredients are believed to have deeper therapeutic effects on the body’s tissues.

Expectant mothers can start their prenatal massage journey by attending sessions once a week and then more regularly after the third month until the sixth month. Prenatal massage facilitates easier labor by making the body more responsive and flexible for delivery.

5. Emotional and Mental Wellbeing

Pregnancy brings significant changes to a woman’s body. It not only shifts many organs to make space for the baby but also causes major changes in hormonal balance. These hormonal changes directly and indirectly affect a woman’s mental health; stress, anxiety, and depression can be outcomes. First-time mothers may find this phase uncomfortable and overwhelming because they are unfamiliar with these experiences. First-time mothers may be concerned about their baby’s health, physical changes, and mood swings. This can be tough to manage, so addressing mental health and well-being is critical. Prenatal care can offer women a secure and supportive atmosphere in which to relieve stress and reconnect with themselves.

Supporting mental health during pregnancy is equally important as physical care. This can include:

– Activities that relax the mind and promote positive thinking, such as meditation and mindfulness techniques.

– Prenatal programs provide an opportunity to connect with a supportive community of other pregnant women.

– Encourage open communication with your partner or family members.

– Consult a professional if you are experiencing anxiety, stress, or depression.

Simply put, Ayurvedic therapies emphasize gentle and nourishing care that facilitates a calm and peaceful environment during pregnancy.

You may also read: Pregnancy Care

The Postnatal Period: Nurturing Recovery and New Beginnings

The postpartum phase, also known as the postnatal period, is the first six weeks after giving birth. These six weeks are critical and risky for both mother and baby. This is the period shortly after the mother has gone through many changes, from carrying the baby inside her body to giving birth and experiencing a great deal of suffering. The woman now needs to care for a newborn while her body heals.

Ayurveda calls this stage “Sutika Paricharya.” It is a complete plan for postpartum care that is made just for women to help them regain their strength and energy.

Understanding the Postpartum Body

It is no secret that after delivery, a mother’s body goes through dramatic changes as it starts returning to its pre-pregnancy state. The uterus that carried the baby for nine months now contracts back to its original size. Hormone levels in the body fluctuate significantly, and the body begins performing a new function: breastfeeding. These are just the physical changes; alongside them are emotional changes, including the new and unfamiliar feeling of motherhood.

Medically, most mothers can resume their normal life activities within six weeks after childbirth as the body begins to adjust. However, this does not mean they should rush their recovery to return to normal. Every body is different, and so is the adaptation to change. Postnatal care offers a customized healing journey that supports long-term physical and emotional well-being. 

Key Components of Postnatal care

1. Rest and Recovery

Rest is a natural healer and cannot be overstated. Rest during the postnatal period is crucial, as the body needs time to heal from the physical trauma of childbirth. Rest does not depend on the type of delivery: vaginal or cesarean section, as both involve different kinds of physical pain.

Traditional Ayurvedic practices recommend an extended period of rest during the first two weeks after childbirth. Recovery improves when a mother receives support from family members in caring for the baby and her health. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting are strictly restricted during this period.

Many cultures traditionally involve female relatives or family members to care for the mother during the postpartum phase. Today, Wealth Of Wellness, a DHA-certified wellness centre, offers professional prenatal and postnatal care for mothers, provided by female practitioners.

2. Postnatal Nutrition

Following relaxation, eating is the most important factor during the first few months, as new mothers need to recover lost nutrients. This not only protects the mother’s health, but also promotes healthy nursing.

Nutrition should always be in the right balance of all essential nutrients, along with adequate water and roughage intake. However, postnatal nutrition is not the same as a regular diet plan; it is customized based on the mother’s health and other factors. The diet plan usually includes easily digestible foods along with ghee and warm milk to enhance internal lubrication.

 

Ayurvedic dietary recommendations for postpartum include:

– Foods that are warm, freshly cooked, and simple to digest – Ghee (clarified butter) added to foods to help heal and make milk

– Warm milk with ghee to help with breastfeeding – Foods high in nutrients, like dates, figs, raisins, and almonds

– Lots of water and herbal drinks that are warm

– Foods high in iron to help the body make more blood – Protein from sources that are easy to digest

Foods to limit or avoid include:

– Foods that are raw, cold, or hard to digest

– Too much caffeine, which can go into breast milk

– Foods that are spicy or produce gas if they get to the infant through breast milk – Foods that are processed or junk

The primary purpose of postpartum nutrition is to restore the mother’s strength, promote healing, and provide an appropriate diet for nursing, all while being gentle on the rebuilding digestive system.

3. Postnatal Massage and Body Therapies

Similar to prenatal massage, postnatal massage is equally important in strengthening the body’s natural healing process. However, the approach differs due to postpartum needs, even though the importance of body massage remains the same.

Postnatal Ayurvedic treatment, or Sutika Paricharya, uses herb-infused warm oils to aid muscle healing, spinal alignment, and abdominal muscle rehabilitation. Ayurvedic massage therapy helps the body regain its pre-pregnancy form and function.

Benefits of postnatal massage include:

– Helping the uterus contracts to its natural size

– Lowering muscle stress that builds up after pregnancy and delivery 

– Helping the abdominal muscles heal, especially if they were separated during pregnancy 

– Improving circulation and lowering swelling 

– Supporting emotional health amid hormonal changes

– Increasing the amount of milk produced 

– Lowering stress and helping you sleep better

The massage approach differs between vaginal and cesarean deliveries. A mother can begin postnatal massage treatment seven days following a vaginal delivery, but massage therapy should begin at least 14 days after a cesarean delivery to allow for appropriate healing of the surgical site. Ayurvedic massages are typically followed by a warm herbal bath, which aids in relaxation and healing.

Also Read: The Best Facial For All Skin Types

4. Aura Cleansing / Aura Healing

The journey to motherhood is complex and tiring; it drains energy and can affect a mother’s aura. During this time, you meet many people, and this can influence the energies around you, which are also referred to as the aura. Cleansing the aura becomes vital for aligning and restoring supportive energies. The aura does not only refer to energy but also permeates the body, reflecting emotional, mental, and spiritual states during this precious time.

The expansion of a mother’s aura during pregnancy is very common due to a mother’s natural instinct to protect her baby. Research on a mother’s aura during pregnancy reveals that pregnant women often display deep protective colors such as blues and greens. This is technically referred to as a “cocoon-like” energy field that helps protect the baby. Childbirth can disturb this energy and shift it, making it weaker; therefore, cleansing or healing it becomes important.

5. Pelvic Floor Recovery

Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on a woman’s pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. Many women face long-term issues due to weakened pelvic floor muscles after childbirth.

At Wealth Of Wellness, we have designed comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care for mothers. Postnatal care includes gentle exercises to support and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises, known as Kegel exercises, can be started shortly after childbirth. Our team of female practitioners guides mothers through this journey to help restore pelvic muscle strength. 

We have postpartum programs at WOW that include:

– Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles 

– Rehabilitation of the core muscles 

– Gentle stretching and mobility work 

– A gradual return to exercise programs

Understanding Body Chakras and Maternal Energy

According to yogic and Ayurvedic traditions, the body is made up of seven primary energy centers known as chakras, which run up the spine from the base to the crown. Each chakra is responsible for a particular facet of well-being, including physical, emotional, and spiritual. During pregnancy, the lower chakras associated with anchoring, creativity, and personal strength are highly activated and transformed in the female body.

The root chakra (Muladhara) connects you to physical protection and grounding, which are critical for feeling secure as a new mother. The sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) influences creativity and emotional flow and is intimately linked to the uterine space and feminine energy. The solar plexus chakra (Manipura) represents confidence and empowerment, attributes that might be tested during the fragile postpartum time.

Physical trauma can lead any of the seven chakras to become imbalanced or blocked, causing anxiety, mental distress, difficulty connecting with the infant, discomfort, and other symptoms.

A poll of women in the UAE who had Aura Healing sessions found that many of them felt lighter, more balanced, and more in touch with themselves. Aura healing also gives you a greater sense of mental renewal at a time when you’re focusing on taking care of the baby.

6. Mental Health and Emotional Support

As discussed earlier, the postnatal period is characterized by significant hormonal fluctuations that have a considerable impact on mood and emotions. Many women go through a phase known as “baby blues” in the first week or two after giving birth, which is characterized by mood fluctuations, tearfulness, and anxiety. If not addressed, these feelings can progress to more severe postpartum depression or anxiety.

– Constant sadness or hopelessness that seems to occupy your mind.

– Deep thoughts, overthinking or panic attacks.

– Difficulty in understanding your baby’s needs and lacking good bonding.

– Inability in looking after yourself and sparing time for self care.

– Persistent negative thoughts about yourself, or your life.

According to a study, participating in self-care, meditation, and therapeutic practices can help mothers cope with the postpartum time while also improving overall health. Today, the UAE boasts exceptional wellness centers, such as Wealth Of Wellness, that provide women with the environment and support they require to focus on themselves and their mental and physical health.

Also Read: How to Plan the Perfect Baby Shower

Creating Your Personal Prenatal and Postnatal Care Plan

As a first-time mother in the UAE, you have access to exceptional resources to support your pregnancy journey. Here’s how to create a comprehensive care plan:

1. First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)

– Confirm the news of pregnancy with your doctor and plan to go for a prenatal care

– Begin your prescribed medication and keep a track of your health

– Make time for yourself, take proper rest and involve in things that make you happy

– Strictly avoid vigorous activities and practice gentle care including yoga

– Learn more about pregnancy and keep yourself educated to understand your body

– Begin planning for your baby and your future together

2. Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26)

– Start your prenatal yoga and exercises immediately and focus on your physical health

– Enrol in prenatal massage sessions to ease your body

– Follow a diet chart prescribed by a professional

– Attend childbirth education classes to know more about your condition

– Baby-proof your house and make a welcoming environment for your baby

– Continue regular medical check-ups 

3. Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)

– Continue your therapy sessions including yoga and massage

– Practice breathing exercises to prepare yourself for labor

– Start preparing your hospital bag and keep the essential documents ready

– Rest your body as much as possible and focus on positive thoughts

Specialised Prenatal & Postnatal Care at Wealth Of Wellness

Wealth Of Wellness, a DHA-certified wellness centre that customises wellness programs for individuals as per their specific needs. We offer holistic pregnancy care that offers gentle care for the expectant mothers. We assist you in starting your wellness journey after examining your body and identifying your goal areas. 

Prenatal Care Package:

– Two times a week of Abhyangam (oil massage) with herbal oils that are safe for pregnant women

– Yoga lessons for pregnant women taught by trained practitioners 

– Nutritional counseling based on Ayurvedic principles

– Workshops on pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for a newborn 

– Breathing and meditation exercises to help you prepare for labor

– Community support through connection with other expectant mothers

Postnatal Care Package:

– Specialized postnatal massage to help with healing and recovery

– Binding or wrapping the stomach to support the core muscles

– Help and guidance with breastfeeding

– Diet plans for eating well after childbirth

– Gentle yoga and exercise when it’s right for you 

– help with mental health and ways to deal with stress

The measurable benefits of such comprehensive programs include:

– More stable and balanced emotions 

– Less swelling and better blood flow 

– Relief from body pain and muscle tightness – Less stress and depressive symptoms

– Better mental health and relaxation 

– Lower risks and complications for both mother and baby 

– Quicker recovery after giving birth

– Successfully starting to breastfeed 

– Stronger bonds between mother and child

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informative purposes only and should not be used to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare professional before beginning any new wellness program during pregnancy or the postnatal period and make sure that all therapies are delivered by certified practitioners in regulated settings.

 

FAQs

1. What is the difference between Prenatal and Postnatal care?

Both prenatal and postnatal care are related to pregnancy. In simple words, it is holistic care given to a mother during pregnancy and after childbirth. Prenatal care is the care given to an expectant mother while she is pregnant. It includes different therapies and sessions that help make the pregnancy journey easier and more comfortable.

Postnatal care, on the other hand, starts after childbirth. It focuses on helping the mother recover after delivery, whether it is a normal delivery or a caesarean section.

2. Is body massage safe during pregnancy?

Yes, Ayurvedic body massage is safe during pregnancy if it is done gently. Pregnancy massage is different from a regular massage and should only be done by trained professionals. They know which areas to work on and how to do it safely for the mother and baby.

3. Can first-time mothers in the UAE go for prenatal and postnatal care?

Yes, definitely. First-time mothers usually need extra care as they are experiencing pregnancy for the first time, which can feel confusing or overwhelming. Prenatal and postnatal care provide the right guidance, comfort, and support, making the journey easier and more pleasant.

4. Can prenatal yoga be done at home online?

No, it is usually not recommended. Prenatal yoga needs proper guidance and supervision. Expectant mothers need support and monitoring during the sessions. If yoga is done incorrectly, it may affect the health of the mother or the baby.

5. How to deal with signs of postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is common, but it is important to take care of it early. Mothers should try to involve themselves in activities or sessions that help improve their mood and emotional well-being. Taking time for self-care and self-love can make a big difference.

Many wellness centres offer postnatal care programs that help mothers feel better both mentally and physically. Gentle massages, yoga, meditation, counselling, weight management programs, and sound healing can help relax the body, reduce stress, and bring positivity. However, if the condition feels serious, it is always advised to consult a doctor.