Changes

Source : http://www.naturalfamilyplanning.ie/mucus/gls-p-mucus/<br>

Source : http://www.naturalfamilyplanning.ie/mucus/gls-p-mucus/<br>

The possible mechanism of sex selection can be understood by knowing the swimming behavior of spermatozoa bearing X and Y chromosome in the female genital tract, as well as evidence suggesting selective penetration of spermatozoa in cervical mucus. The factors affecting the motility of sperms in genital tract are pH, temperature, viscosity, osmolarity, elements and ions. All these evidence suggest that the sex selection may depend on the female genital environment which changes throughout the cycle and hence the specific days of coitus mentioned in text may contribute to the selection of the desired offspring.  The concentration of sperm in semen increases if the coitus is performed during alternate days. More the number of Y-bearing spermatozoa, more probability of procuring a male progeny.

The possible mechanism of sex selection can be understood by knowing the swimming behavior of spermatozoa bearing X and Y chromosome in the female genital tract, as well as evidence suggesting selective penetration of spermatozoa in cervical mucus. The factors affecting the motility of sperms in genital tract are pH, temperature, viscosity, osmolarity, elements and ions. All these evidence suggest that the sex selection may depend on the female genital environment which changes throughout the cycle and hence the specific days of coitus mentioned in text may contribute to the selection of the desired offspring.  The concentration of sperm in semen increases if the coitus is performed during alternate days. More the number of Y-bearing spermatozoa, more probability of procuring a male progeny<ref> Skandhan KP, Japee Jasmine: Hypothesis: Who is responsible for the sex of the offspring, Trends in Medical Research; 2011 </ref>.

==== Selection of Suitable partner for conception ====

==== Selection of Suitable partner for conception ====

In Ayurveda classics, the preparation of procuring healthy progeny begins with the selection of a partner. For a healthy progeny with longevity and desired traits, both partners should be of reproductive age without any physical or mental disease or chronic illness. Conception in older age is associated with genetic abnormalities like Down’s syndrome and rare chromosomal abnormalities like Patau's syndrome and Edward's syndrome in the offspring. Increased maternal age may also lead to the poor outcome of pregnancy. Conception during illness may result in congenital anomalies or growth retarded fetus.  Research has shown risks of low birth weight, premature labor, anemia, and pre-eclampsia are related to the biological age.  

In Ayurveda classics, the preparation of procuring healthy progeny begins with the selection of a partner. For a healthy progeny with longevity and desired traits, both partners should be of reproductive age without any physical or mental disease or chronic illness. Conception in older age is associated with genetic abnormalities like Down’s syndrome and rare chromosomal abnormalities like Patau's syndrome and Edward's syndrome in the offspring. Increased maternal age may also lead to the poor outcome of pregnancy. Conception during illness may result in congenital anomalies or growth retarded fetus.  Research has shown risks of low birth weight, premature labor, anemia, and pre-eclampsia are related to the biological age<ref> CM Gibbs et al, The Impact of Early Age at First Childbirth on Maternal and Infant Health, 2012, PMID:22742615 </ref>.  

Ideal position for coitus and factors affecting conception:  

Ideal position for coitus and factors affecting conception:  

Keeping the body and its doshas in harmony with its environment are essential to good conception, as it is with staying healthy, per Ayurvedic texts. This is consistent with the vedic concept of Yatha Pinde Tatha Brahmande (As the Body, so the Universe) – that problems occur when there is disequilibrium between the body and its surroundings.  

Keeping the body and its doshas in harmony with its environment are essential to good conception, as it is with staying healthy, per Ayurvedic texts. This is consistent with the vedic concept of Yatha Pinde Tatha Brahmande (As the Body, so the Universe) – that problems occur when there is disequilibrium between the body and its surroundings.  

Chanting and reciting mantras have an effect on neuro-endocrinal homeostasis. Hence chanting or reciting mantras or shlokas is recommended for maintenance of a psychosomatic balance of the body. In Vedic rituals, shloka (sacred hymns) to be chanted are said to invoke Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and the progenitor of all the activities of the universe, Lord Brihaspati, the power behind every activity, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, Soma and Agni, the prime principles in all living beings, Ashvinau, the symbol of health and well-being in every creature, and Mitra and Varuna, the forces necessary to sustain life in the universe. Therefore, vedic scriptures, including Ayurvedic texts, emphasize on paying one’s obeisance to deities and forces of the universe, in the form of Gods, if one desires a healthy offspring.

Chanting and reciting mantras have an effect on neuro-endocrinal homeostasis<ref> Claire Braboszcz, Stephanie Hahusseau, Arnaud Delorme Meditation and Neuroscience: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice, 2010, Springer Publishing </ref>. Hence chanting or reciting mantras or shlokas is recommended for maintenance of a psychosomatic balance of the body. In Vedic rituals, shloka (sacred hymns) to be chanted are said to invoke Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe and the progenitor of all the activities of the universe, Lord Brihaspati, the power behind every activity, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, Soma and Agni, the prime principles in all living beings, Ashvinau, the symbol of health and well-being in every creature, and Mitra and Varuna, the forces necessary to sustain life in the universe. Therefore, vedic scriptures, including Ayurvedic texts, emphasize on paying one’s obeisance to deities and forces of the universe, in the form of Gods, if one desires a healthy offspring.

Chanting of mantras is known to have physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Mantra chanting form the basis of yogic meditation practices to help calm one’s mind and ease anxieties, which could have adverse effects on one’s progeny. Ayurveda science also mentions the role of the atma, along with the union of sperm and ovum, as a prerequisite, in the formation of the garbha. For the atma (of the newborn) to be of best satva and good prior karma, the ambiance and environment of the area should be spiritual, and chanting helps in creating such an environment.

Chanting of mantras is known to have physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Mantra chanting form the basis of yogic meditation practices to help calm one’s mind and ease anxieties, which could have adverse effects on one’s progeny. Ayurveda science also mentions the role of the atma, along with the union of sperm and ovum, as a prerequisite, in the formation of the garbha. For the atma (of the newborn) to be of best satva and good prior karma, the ambiance and environment of the area should be spiritual, and chanting helps in creating such an environment.

For getting the desired result (i.e., a healthy progeny of the desired traits), one has to apply the factors either in the form of the same element (dravya samanya) or the elements having similar constitution and properties (guna samanya) or similar the effort (karma samanya), giving the similar to get similar output. All the above mentioned dietary, ritualistic practices, and do's and don'ts need to be of the desired dravya, guna and karma samanya to get the desired result, i.e., healthy and long living progeny with good complexion and intelligence. Whatever the mother sees, tastes, touches, feels, thinks and the way she behaves or thinks socially or spiritually has a deep impact on the future temperament and behavior of the child. A popular example of this ‘karma based garbha samskara’ is the mythological story of Abhimanyu, the warrior son of Arjuna, in the Mahabharata. Abhimanyu, even when he was a fetus in his mother (Subhadra)’s womb, learned the technique of entering the Chakravyuha (a special type of battle formation) from his maternal uncle Lord Krishna. If the mother takes dravya having predominant jala mahabhuta dravya, there will be an increase in the kapha dhatu of the fetus, giving it a fair complexion. Similarly, other mahabhuta-dominant dravyas contribute to other types of complexions in the baby.

For getting the desired result (i.e., a healthy progeny of the desired traits), one has to apply the factors either in the form of the same element (dravya samanya) or the elements having similar constitution and properties (guna samanya) or similar the effort (karma samanya), giving the similar to get similar output. All the above mentioned dietary, ritualistic practices, and do's and don'ts need to be of the desired dravya, guna and karma samanya to get the desired result, i.e., healthy and long living progeny with good complexion and intelligence. Whatever the mother sees, tastes, touches, feels, thinks and the way she behaves or thinks socially or spiritually has a deep impact on the future temperament and behavior of the child. A popular example of this ‘karma based garbha samskara’ is the mythological story of Abhimanyu, the warrior son of Arjuna, in the Mahabharata. Abhimanyu, even when he was a fetus in his mother (Subhadra)’s womb, learned the technique of entering the Chakravyuha (a special type of battle formation) from his maternal uncle Lord Krishna. If the mother takes dravya having predominant jala mahabhuta dravya, there will be an increase in the kapha dhatu of the fetus, giving it a fair complexion. Similarly, other mahabhuta-dominant dravyas contribute to other types of complexions in the baby.

In Korea, for prenatal development, expectant mothers are advised to do certain practices called ‘Taegyo.'  Expectant mothers are advised to stay calm, avoid evil thoughts, listening to soft music, reading inspiring stories aloud, staying vigilant of surroundings and prudent in speech and action. Following these practices provides a safe and healthy environment for the fetal development.

In Korea, for prenatal development, expectant mothers are advised to do certain practices called ‘Taegyo.<ref> Lee, Yuna, Lee, Jiyoung, Korean Traditional Taegyo Prenatal Education based on Sajudang Lee’s “Taegyo Singi”, 2016, International Journal of Childbirth Education, Pg 34-37 </ref>'  Expectant mothers are advised to stay calm, avoid evil thoughts, listening to soft music, reading inspiring stories aloud, staying vigilant of surroundings and prudent in speech and action. Following these practices provides a safe and healthy environment for the fetal development.

Research in Pre-natal education

Research in Pre-natal education

Researchers have been studying the effect of external sensory experiences on the brain activities of infants. In one instance, researchers found enhanced brain activity in infants exposed to “novel word sounds” played everyday during the third trimester.  

Researchers have been studying the effect of external sensory experiences on the brain activities of infants. In one instance, researchers found enhanced brain activity in infants exposed to “novel word sounds” played everyday during the third trimester.<ref> Partanen, Eino et al, Prenatal Music Exposure Induces Long-Term Neural Effects, 2013, PLoS One, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078946 </ref>

==== Effects of karma of the progeny’s prior birth ====

==== Effects of karma of the progeny’s prior birth ====

==== Factors causing harm to the embryo ====

==== Factors causing harm to the embryo ====

Numerous factors that may hamper sustaining the pregnancy or cause abnormalities in the progeny have been described in this chapter. These factors can be classified as dietary, lifestyle, traumatic, psychological and spiritual factors.  Observance of these avoidable factors leads to growth retardation, the death of the fetus, premature birth, illness or congenital malformations to the offspring. Research seems to indicate that emotional stress to the mother can lead to prenatal or postnatal complications of various types . Dietary habits and lifestyle may lead to neurohormonal changes which affect pregnancy and its outcome . Similar faulty habits by the father can also cause abnormalities of spermatozoa which in turn leads to congenital anomalies in offspring.

Numerous factors that may hamper sustaining the pregnancy or cause abnormalities in the progeny have been described in this chapter. These factors can be classified as dietary, lifestyle, traumatic, psychological and spiritual factors.  Observance of these avoidable factors leads to growth retardation, the death of the fetus, premature birth, illness or congenital malformations to the offspring. Research seems to indicate that emotional stress to the mother can lead to prenatal or postnatal complications of various types<ref> Stephen Maret, Introduction to  Prenatal Psychology, 2011, Church Gate Books ISBN: 9780578089980 </ref> . Dietary habits and lifestyle may lead to neurohormonal changes which affect pregnancy and its outcome<ref> Calvin Hobel, Jennifer Culhane, Role of Pyschosocial and Nutritional Stress on Poor Pregnancy Outcome, 2003, J.Nutr., vol 133 no. 5 1709S-1717S </ref> . Similar faulty habits by the father can also cause abnormalities of spermatozoa which in turn leads to congenital anomalies in offspring.

==== Precaution for the treatment of disorders in pregnant females ====

==== Precaution for the treatment of disorders in pregnant females ====

==== Monthly regimen during pregnancy ====

==== Monthly regimen during pregnancy ====

Regular intake of recommended diet and daily routine is essential for fetal growth as well as maternal well-being. Daily use of milk and milk products is an important aspect of garbhini paricharya. Milk can nourish all body tissues and is considered a wholesome diet, fulfilling the requirement of fetal as well as maternal growth. Milk is sheeta, snigdha, and madhura and increases the ojas in the body. Ojas is said to be the essence of all body tissues and revitalizes to produce new body elements. The regimen is rich in proteins as well as carbohydrates which are essential for fetal growth and development. Due care is taken while prescribing the regimen to prevent vata prakopa.  Disturbance in vata balance may cause many diseases of the fetus as well as the mother.  From the eighth month onwards, the preparation of birth canal for pariturition begins and also there is the descent of fetal presenting part in the pelvis. To relieve the symptoms of this pressure on pelvis and augment the formation of lower segment, to prepare cervix to become ripe and easily dilatable, basti and pichu (vaginal tampon) of oil are advised. ix Basti keeps vata dosha balanced & its gati in anulom (downward) direction, preventing the obstruction in the path of vata dosha to help the process of labor, natural and in ease.

Regular intake of recommended diet and daily routine is essential for fetal growth as well as maternal well-being. Daily use of milk and milk products is an important aspect of garbhini paricharya. Milk can nourish all body tissues and is considered a wholesome diet, fulfilling the requirement of fetal as well as maternal growth. Milk is sheeta, snigdha, and madhura and increases the ojas in the body. Ojas is said to be the essence of all body tissues and revitalizes to produce new body elements. The regimen is rich in proteins as well as carbohydrates which are essential for fetal growth and development. Due care is taken while prescribing the regimen to prevent vata prakopa.  Disturbance in vata balance may cause many diseases of the fetus as well as the mother.  From the eighth month onwards, the preparation of birth canal for pariturition begins and also there is the descent of fetal presenting part in the pelvis. To relieve the symptoms of this pressure on pelvis and augment the formation of lower segment, to prepare cervix to become ripe and easily dilatable, basti and pichu (vaginal tampon) of oil are advised<ref> https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/labeling/ucm093307.htm

</ref>. ix Basti keeps vata dosha balanced & its gati in anulom (downward) direction, preventing the obstruction in the path of vata dosha to help the process of labor, natural and in ease.

Antenatal patients are prescribed Ayurvedic regimen throughout pregnancy with proper diet advice. The medicines given are shatavari, phalghrita especially during the first trimester.

Antenatal patients are prescribed Ayurvedic regimen throughout pregnancy with proper diet advice. The medicines given are shatavari, phalghrita especially during the first trimester.

According to Artha Shastra of Chanakya (Vishnugupta), a child till the age of five years needs a lot of care and affection, while the next ten years require inculcating him/her with discipline and education and once he/she reaches 16 years of age, he/she should be treated as a friend. Children of 16 years of age are mature, physically and sexually, and by then are ready to acquire skills of work for earning.

According to Artha Shastra of Chanakya (Vishnugupta), a child till the age of five years needs a lot of care and affection, while the next ten years require inculcating him/her with discipline and education and once he/she reaches 16 years of age, he/she should be treated as a friend. Children of 16 years of age are mature, physically and sexually, and by then are ready to acquire skills of work for earning.

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=== References ===

=== References ===