An Approach To Fetal Growth In Ayurveda With Its Applied Aspects

In Ayurveda the whole concept of fetal growth is included under the heading of Garbha. Here the essential factors of conception, time of conception followed by formation and its subsequent development to form an individual is stressed. The term ‘Garbha’ include zygote, embryo or fetus. Ayurvedic classics have lucidly elaborated the concept of garbha as well as the influencing factors for its growth and development starting from sukra-sonita samyoga. Fetal development includes continuous process of maturation of structure discussed under three period of gestation i.e. Germinal, Embryonic and Fetal period. The classics enriched with formation and subsequent development are highlighted under the term ‘vriddhi’. Different factors are considered for fetal growth like excellence of the factors responsible for production of fetus viz. Sadabhava (six factors for embryogenesis), Adoption of proper diet & regimen by the mother during pregnancy, Availability of nourishment through upasneha & upasveda, Kala (proper time) & Swabhava samsiddhi (instinctive or natural tendencies). Sadabhava in other way exhibit genetic influences by Matrija & Pitrija bhavas while Satmya & Rasaja bhavas come from maternal diet & regimen. Satva & Atma are the individual factors that come to garbha (fetus) itself. This concept of sadabhava highlights the development of a complete human being. Here Mahabhuta plays an important role in embryogenesis with the help of functions such as separation or segregation of cell mass, influences of different hormones, nourishment passing through chorionic villi in early part and later through umbilical cord, followed by stabilization and structural development of body parts, as well as symmetrical and chronological increase of all these structures are attribute to the functions of Vayu, Teja, Apa, Prithvi and Akash respectively. In applied aspects Garbhasosha, Nagodara, Upasushka etc are mentioned. Upasuska emphasised with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) while jataharini include intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and intra-uterine death (IUD). The present work highlights all these concept of fetal growth interpreting with different aspects of embryology while morbidity stressed through teratology.