OA01. 34. Effect of maternal ahara on foetal outcome

PURPOSE: Maternal Ahara is an important modulator of maternal health and foetal growth. Various dietary regimens for pregnant women are described under Garbhini Paricharya, emphasising on real demand of the time for proper growth and development of foetus, for normal labour, for keeping good health of the mother and making free from postnatal complications of mother and child. Birth weight of newborn is strongest indicator of perinatal mortality. Pathya Ahara during pregnancy could decrease the incidence of LBW babies, improves survival of newborns and decreases perinatal mortality. METHOD: Pregnant women (100), registered in S.S.Hospital, BHU and delivered live born single babies were included and those with known medical illness, associated obstetric complications, unknown last menstrual period, cases of multiple pregnancy and congenital malformation were excluded. Pregnant women were subjected to detailed dietary profile to know the quality of food consumed during pregnancy and their newborns were subjected to anthropometric measurements to assess foetal outcome. RESULT: Out of 100 pregnant women 39 had taken Satvika- Rajasika ahara, 22 had Satvika-Tamsika ahara and 39 were taking Rajasika-Tamasika ahara. Most of the mothers taken Satvika-Rajasika ahara delivered fair or wheatish complexioned babies with higher birth weight and crown-heel length. Majority of women with low birth weight, and dark complexioned babies were taking Rajasika-Tamasika ahara. Significant association was observed between quality of maternal ahara and baby™s head circumference, chest circumference and mid-arm circumference. These measures were gradually less in babies of mothers taken Satvika-Tamasika and Rajasika-Tamasika Ahara. CONCLUSION: Food items mentioned in Garbhini Paricharya are mainly Satvika in nature. Satvika Ahara is well nourishing and balanced diet containing all essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, vegetable proteins, minerals and vitamins. By improving the quality of maternal Ahara, foetal outcome will be better in the form of increased birth weight and decreased perinatal mortality.