A Critical Review on Masanumasika Garbhini Paricharya With Special Reference to Fetal Development

Pregnancy is a physiological yet delicate phase in a woman’s life that requires meticulous care for ensuring the well-being of both mother and fetus. Ayurveda has elaborately described Garbhini Paricharya (antenatal care) with special emphasis on Masanumasika Paricharya — month-wise dietary and lifestyle regimen — to promote proper fetal growth and prevent complications during pregnancy and labour. Classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya and Kashyapa Samhita describe month-wise fetal development along with specific dietary recommendations to maintain doshic balance and ensure normal delivery. The present study aims to review classical references regarding Masanumasika Garbhini Paricharya and to elaborate the corresponding month-wise fetal development described in Ayurvedic literature. The prescribed regimen emphasizes Madhura rasa, Sheeta virya, Drava and Snigdha ahara in early months for proper cellular development, followed by Sneha and Ghrita preparations for structural maturation, and Basti therapy in later months for Vata regulation and facilitation of normal labour.