AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF IMPACT OF 'PRAKRITI' (BODY CONSTITUTION) ON PREGNANCY AND LABOUR

Abstract

An observational clinical study was conducted to develop an authentic approach regarding effect of “ Dosha - Prakriti ” (Humoral Constitution) on physiology of labour and to evaluate t he physiological changes occurring during pregnancy on the basis of Prakriti (Constitution). A convenient sample of 50 pregnant females of age group 20 - 45 years, were selected after an informed written conse nt with ≥ 34 weeks of pregnancy. The study was conducted at OPD of Deptt. o f Stri Roga evum Prasuti Tantra of Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College Hospital , Karol Bagh, New Delhi ( Govt. of Delhi) , India . 10 non - pregnant females (5 married and 5 unmarried) as control were enrolled in this study. The registered patients were categorized into 4 groups according to their Prakriti on basis of predominant dosha viz. Vataja , Pittaja , Kaphaja and Sama and 2 sub groups of Primigravida and Second/Multigravida . Routine investigations of the patients were conducted in the central labo r atory of the hospital. The study revealed that in Vataja Prakriti females, progress of labour was good with strong labour pains in frequency and moderate labour process. Pittaja Prakriti Fem ales exhibited more disturbed LFT during pregnancy and normal progress of labour during 1 st stage of labour with moderate intensity and frequency of labour pains resulting in moderate labour process. K aphaja Prakriti Females showed l ongest Period of Gestat ion (280 - 290 days) with more affected lipid profile during their pregnancy. At the time of labour, weak labour pains were observed in intensity as well as in frequency causing longer duration (22.27 hours) of 1 st stage of labour causing difficult and prolo nged labour was also noticed. In Sama Prakriti Females, good progress of labour was observed