Pregnancy is a critical physiological phase requiring systematic monitoring to ensure optimal maternal and foetal outcomes. Anthropometric parameters of newborn such as birth weight, length, head circumference, gestational age at birth, and APGAR score are reliable indicators of intrauterine growth and neonatal well-being. The present retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Prasuti Tantra & Stree Roga, Government Autonomous Ashtang Ayurved College & Hospital, Indore, M.P. to evaluate outcomes of pregnancies cared with Ayurvedic principles of Garbhini Paricharya. Clinical records from the past three years were subjected to analysis for maternal profile, gestational age at delivery, neonatal anthropometry, and immediate neonatal complications if any. A total of 162 cases were reviewed from records of last three years data. The majority of mothers were between 25–30 years of age (43.8% cases), followed by those below 25 years (40.74% cases). Gravida 2 constituted the largest group (40.12% cases). Most deliveries occurred between 250–259 days of gestation (43.20% cases), indicating a predominance of term pregnancies. Birth weight analysis revealed that 74.07% neonates weighed between 2.5–3.5 kg, and 11.11% weighed more than 3.5 kg, while only 14.81% cases were categorized as low birth weight <2.5 kg. APGAR scores were reassuring in the majority, with 92.59% neonates scoring ≥7. Head circumference ranged between 30–35 cm in 91.35% cases, and most neonates (55.55% cases) measured more than 45 cm in length, indicating appropriate skeletal and neurological development. The observational findings of pregnancy outcomes suggest a low incidence of intrauterine growth restriction and favourable neonatal adaptation among pregnancies managed with Ayurvedic antenatal care. Classical Ayurvedic regimens emphasizing Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), Aushadha (herbal support), and Masanumasik Paricharya appear to support Dhatu Poshana, Garbha Vriddhi, and regulation of Vata, contributing to healthy foetal growth and desired outcomes of pregnancy. Although present retrospective study design is of small sample size, the results provide supportive clinical evidence for the potential role of Ayurvedic antenatal management in achieving healthy pregnancy outcomes and the concept of Supraja. Further prospective controlled studies with large population are recommended to strengthen evidence and explore systemic correlations.
Mishra et al. (Tue,) studied this question.