Observances during pregnancy

February 14, 1996

Q: Are there any observances or practices you would recommend for women during pregnancy?       

     During the time of pregnancy a women should not engage in stressful activites as much as possible. She should refrain from emotional stress and strain as much as possible and those around her should provide her with a calm and secure atmosphere for in this time she is most susceptible. She should avoid being in the presence of psychic conflict or argumentation as much as possible. So if she is around those who are bickering or of ill will, she should if possible get away from such people, such situations. It is important that as much as possible she keep her mind in a calm state of equanimity ideating always upon the supreme and thinking sweet and loving thoughts.     

     Now during this time there is a great deal of physiological change occuring and this creates a certain psychic disturbance and many women may feel an emotional disturbance in which they are feeling angry or fearful or despondent from time to time. The emotions go up and down, more than in the norm. So to combat this, a women should take a walk every day in a peaceful and lovely place of nature if it is at all possible: twice a day, one mile walk in the trees, in the woods, along a stream in a place that is peaceful, harmonious and conducive to pleasant thoughts, it should be taken, unless the woman is having some difficulty which makes her unable to do the walk. If she can do the walk it is good for her health. Even in the later stage she can even walk one block and it is good for her as long as the walk is not in the city, in the noise, in the dirty streets, it should be in a sweet and peaceful environment. So this gentle exercise, gentle walk, not fast walk, gentle walk, in the pleasant atmosphere is very good for clearing the thoughts and balancing the disruptive emotions. And for physical health it is important to make sure there is plenty of fine foods, not so oily, easily digestible taken in small amounts, never a large meal but frequent and small amounts to keep the digestion at ease. Particularly during the early stages of pregnancy it is important that small amounts of food are taken at regular intervals so that the digestive system is kept at ease.     

     Now, also the woman should get maximum rest. She should not strain herself if at all possible. She should not be overworked in the house or in the job. In both places, she should take her pace leisurely and also avoid strenuous work and labor and take small breaks at regular intervals so that she takes care for herself and her baby, keeps her thoughts high and subtle and rests whenever she is tired. These things are important for the pregnant lady.     

     There is one other thing that a women may do when she is pregnant which will benefit both her and her unborn child. She should do kiirtan at least once, up to four times daily singing name of God, chanting name of God and thinking only of the Supreme, surrendering her all unto the divine and this kiirtan should be followed by a brief sadhana. This should be done on a regular basis from the early pregnancy throughout and it will bring many benefits both psychic and spiritual. So let the lady who is pregnant have maximum support so that she need not stress and strain herself but feel that she is safe and secure cared for by her husband and those around her. Let her not have to take burdens and worry as much as possible. She should be alleviated from worries. Alright?    

Q: If a pregnant women has a craving for eating eggs, is it ok if ....      

     In pregnancy these cravings come. It means she is lacking in her diet and she should take the food which will help her but it is not eggs she needs. Let her take instead the milk of a cow. She is lacking in the protein. She has the need for this food and must be accommodated but that does not mean tamasic foods are required. She should increase dairy and other protein sources. It will help her and she will gain in strength. Is there more?