About the Book

The holistic approach in this book will undoubtedly prepare the mother-to-be for the most precious gift nature has to offer-the birth of a bonny baby.
Practical techniques of meditation and stress relief described will benefit the entire family.
The modern enquiring mind will appreciate the scientific evidence provided for ancient wisdom making the book relevant for all ages and at all stages of life.
It will be a useful guide for today’s educated and discerning parents, and will help them navigate through pregnancy in all its aspects.

About the Author

Shirin Venkatramani MD MRCOG FRCOG (UK) FICOG

Table of Contents:
Contents Section 1: Physical Wellbeing 1. Anatomy 3 The Female Genital Tract 3 Vulva 4 Vagina 4 Cervix 5 Uterus: Womb 5 Fallopian Tubes 5 Ovaries 6 Normal Pelvis 6 The Male Genital Tract 6 Fertilization 8 Embryogenesis 10 Placenta 11 Maternal Pelvis 13 Fetal Head 14 2. Physiology of Pregnancy 15 General Considerations 15 Nervous System 15 Respiratory System 16 Circulatory System 17 Excretory System 18 Skeletal System 18 Endocrines 18 Gastrointestinal Tract 20 3. Preparation for Pregnancy 21 Investigations 21 Medicines 22 Diet and Exercise 22 Lifestyle Changes 22 Financial and Economic 22 4. Exercise 23 Six Steps of Meditative Asanas: By Swami Veda Bharati 24 Prelims.indd 13 22-08-2015 16:44:15 xiv Holistic Motherhood 5. Nutrition and Supplements in Pregnancy 28 Folic Acid 28 Omega 3 30 Calcium in Pregnancy 33 Foods to be Avoided in Pregnancy 33 Food Acquired Infections 34 Five Food Groups 35 Daily Menu 35 6. Investigations in Pregnancy 39 Ultrasound in Pregnancy 39 Other Investigations and the Timing of These Tests 41 7. Common Symptoms and Questions Answered 44 Common Symptoms 44 Consanguineous Marriage 47 Assisted Reproductive Techniques 48 Travel in Pregnancy 49 Fetal Movements 50 Why Weight Matters in Pregnancy? 50 Contraception 51 Cord Blood Cell Banking 52 8. Common Medical Disorders in Pregnancy 53 Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) 53 Obesity 54 Gestational Diabetes Mellitus 55 Preterm Delivery 56 Other Conditions 56 9. Labor 57 Starting of Labor 57 Stages of Labor 59 Entonox 64 10. Breastfeeding 69 Difficulties in Breastfeeding 71 11. The Newborn 73 Common Problems 75 12. Miscarriage 77 Abortion is Classified into Various Types 77 Prelims.indd 14 22-08-2015 16:44:15 Contents xv Section 2: Psychological Wellbeing 13. The Sensitive Unborn 83 Garbhopanishad 83 Puranas 84 Prahlada 85 Abhimanyu 86 Parikshit 86 Himba Tribe of Africa 86 Scientific Evidence 87 Epigenetic Inheritance 89 14. Jivan Samskaras 93 15. Pranayama 99 Basic Functions of the Respiratory System 101 Breathing Practices 103 16. Concept of Om Childbirth 107 17. Meditation 109 Meditation will Lead to Health in all its Aspects 109 18. Ideal Daily Schedule for Mother 114 Prescribed Daily Prayers and Chanting for Whole Family 116 Commonly Asked Questions 118 Section 3: Spiritual Wellbeing 19. What We Are and Why We Are Here 121 20. Scientists Speak to the Sages 126 21. Spiritual Wellbeing of the Child 131 22. Prayer and Chanting 136 Gayatri Mantra 136 Other Mantras 138 Prayers 139 23. The Himalayan Tradition 140 Principal Tenets and Practices 141 Prelims.indd 15 22-08-2015 16:44:15 xvi Holistic Motherhood Section 4: Personal Experiences 24. Experiences of New Mothers 145 Mother 1 145 Mother 2 148 Mother 3 150 Mother 4 151 Mother 5 152 Mother 6 153 Mother 7 154 Mother 8 155 Mother 9 157 Mother 10 159 Mother 11 160 Mother 12 163 Mother 13 164 Appendix 165 Joints and Glands Exercise 165 Posture 165 Short Meditation 166 Pranayama 184 Bibliography 187 Index 191 Prelims.indd 16 22-08-2015 16:44:15