Critical analysis of fetal growth in three trimesters.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A critical analysis of garbhavridhi (growth of embryo/fetus) in the three trimesters
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Thomas Anju
Associate Professor, Dept of Rachana Shareera, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara College of Ayurveda, Hassan, Karnataka
G M Kanthi
Professor & HOD (Rtd), Dept of Samhita & Siddhanta, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A critical analysis of garbhavridhi (growth of embryo/fetus) in the three trimesters
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article discusses the concept of Garbhavridhi, which refers to the growth and development of an embryo or fetus throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy, as understood in both Ayurveda and modern science. It begins with the union of sperm (Sukra) and ovum (Sonita) along with the soul (Atma) in the uterus (Garbhashaya), leading to the formation of the embryo. The paper outlines the critical factors influencing Garbha's development and presents detailed descriptions of the embryonic stages as documented by various ancient Ayurvedic scholars.
Significance of Trimesters in Development
The paper elaborates on the division of pregnancy into three trimesters, each approximately three months long, with distinct developmental milestones for the embryo/fetus. In the first trimester, the Garbha is in its nascent stages, transitioning from a semi-solid form to more recognizable structures with the formation of limbs and organs. The second trimester is marked by significant growth, where the fetus begins to demonstrate movement, and key features such as hearing and the ability to respond to stimulation develop. The understanding of these stages reflects both ancient Ayurvedic principles and modern developmental biology.
Nutritional and Environmental Influences
Another key concept discussed is the importance of various factors that influence Garbha development, including maternal nutrition and psychological well-being. The paper identifies twelve factors influential in the growth and health of the fetus, which include the maternal and paternal contributions, nutritional aspects, and the spiritual or soul connection. The review suggests that both ancient wisdom and contemporary health practices recognize the critical interplay between maternal health and fetal outcomes, emphasizing the need for proper care during pregnancy to avoid anomalies.
Conclusion
The article concludes that the Ayurvedic perspective on fetal development, as expounded by ancient scholars, remains relevant and informative in modern contexts. Insights into Garbhavridhi serve to enhance our understanding of prenatal health and the vital aspects of fetal growth, thus contributing to the strategies for preventing congenital anomalies. This knowledge enriches both the scientific and holistic approaches to maternity care, advocating for a comprehensive view of health that integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary medical practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Garbha in the context of pregnancy?
Garbha refers to the embryo or fetus formed by the union of Sukra (sperm), Sonita (ovum), and Atma (soul) in the Garbhashaya (uterus). It represents the beginning stage of human development, influenced by various elements and factors.
How is the trimester system relevant to fetal development?
The pregnancy period is divided into three trimesters, each lasting approximately three months. Each trimester marks significant developmental milestones for the embryo/fetus, facilitating understanding of fetal growth and aiding in the prevention of congenital anomalies.
What factors influence the growth of Garbha during pregnancy?
The growth of Garbha is influenced by various factors known as Garbhavridhi-karabhavas. These factors, including maternal health and nutrition, play a crucial role in the proper development of the embryo/fetus throughout the pregnancy stages.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Critical analysis of fetal growth in three trimesters.�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Garbha:
Garbha refers to the embryo or fetus. It is formed by the combination of Sukra (sperm), Sonita (ovum), and Atma (soul) in the Garbhashaya (uterus), and is an aggregate of Panchamahabhutas (five elements) and Chetana (soul).
2) Fire:
Within the context of fetal development, fire refers to Agni or the digestive fire. Agni plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of Garbha by aiding in the digestion and absorption processes within the body.
3) Harita:
Haritha is another Ayurvedic scholar who documents the early stages of fetal development, emphasizing the sequence and timing of changes in Garbha.
4) Pregnant:
Pregnant, often referred to as 'Garbhini' in Ayurveda, denotes a woman carrying a developing embryo or fetus in her uterus. The term recurs throughout the text to describe the maternal state and its impact on fetal health and development.
5) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Kashyapa is an Ayurvedic scholar who offered different views on fetal development, including the idea that Prana (air) divides the Bijadhatu (fertilized gamete) according to Asthisankhya (number of bones) and envelopes the sperm in the ovum.
6) Blood:
Blood, or 'Shonita' in Ayurveda, plays a crucial role in embryo formation and nourishment. Ayurveda links blood to development phases and characteristics of Garbha and correlates it with Rakta (blood in Sanskrit).
7) Birth:
Birth marks the culmination of the development of Garbha or fetus, transitioning from an intrauterine dependent entity to a newborn. The keyword is essential in concluding the gestational process described in the text.
8) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is the ancient system of medicine from India, focusing on holistic health and well-being. The text pulls extensively from Ayurvedic scholars like Charaka and Susruta who have described the stages of fetal development in great detail.
9) Ashtanga (Astanga, Ashtan-anga):
Ashtanga refers to the Ayurvedic texts like the Ashtanga Hrudaya and Ashtanga Sangraha, which document detailed accounts of fetal development stages, emphasizing the development of various bodily constituents and functions.
10) Shonita (Sonita):
Shonita is the term for blood. It combines with Sukra (sperm) and Atma (soul) in the uterus, playing a pivotal role in forming the Garbha (embryo/fetus).
11) Bala:
Bala refers to strength in the context of fetal development, indicating the development of physical robustness. It is mentioned that fetus' Bala (strength) increases significantly in the sixth month, affecting the mother's health.
12) Garbhini:
Garbhini is the term used to describe a pregnant woman. The text frequently uses this term to detail how maternal health and experiences impact the development of Garbha (fetus).
13) Shukra (Sukra):
Sukra refers to sperm, one of the key elements in the formation of Garbha (embryo/fetus). It combines with Sonita (ovum) and Atma (soul) in the Garbhashaya (uterus) as per Ayurvedic texts.
14) Varna:
Varna relates to complexion. During the sixth month, Garbha (fetus) increases in Varna (complexion), which is described in Ayurveda and can correspond to the pinkish hue of the skin in modern science.
15) Agni:
Agni denotes fire or digestive fire in Ayurveda. In fetal development, Agni (fire) facilitates growth and metabolism, notably in the context of fetal nutrition and the subsequent growth of Garbha (fetus).
16) Ojas:
Ojas is considered the essence of Dhatus (bodily tissues) that provides strength and immunity. Its instability in the eighth month is significant as it impacts fetal survival and growth.
17) Vayu:
Vayu means air. In the development of Garbha, Vayu assists in the demarcation and dilation of body channels, aiding the overall growth and expansion of the fetus.
18) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is another significant Ayurvedic scholar mentioned in the text who discusses the stages of fetal development and the perceptional and sentient changes occurring within the fetus.
19) Dhatu:
Dhatus are the fundamental bodily tissues in Ayurveda, responsible for sustaining the living body. The text discusses Ojas, the essence of Dhatus, especially its impact on fetal development and maternal health.
20) Atman (Atma):
Atma refers to the soul in Ayurvedic context. The incorporation of Atma with Sukra (sperm) and Sonita (ovum) in the Garbhashaya (uterus) is essential for the formation of Garbha (embryo/fetus).
21) Hair:
Hair, or 'Roma' in Sanskrit, is one of the features that develop during the fourth month of fetal development.
22) Garbhashaya (Garbhasaya, Garbha-ashaya):
Garbhashaya is the uterus, the site where the combination of Sukra (sperm), Sonita (ovum), and Atma (soul) culminates in the formation of Garbha (embryo/fetus). It is the focal point for embryonic development.
23) Knowledge:
Knowledge pertains to the understanding of fetal development stages as detailed by ancient Ayurvedic scholars.
24) Thomas:
Thomas refers to Dr. Thomas Anju, the Associate Professor who co-authored this study on Garbhavridhi (growth of embryo/fetus) and provided critical analysis.
25) Perception:
Perception in the context of the text refers to the developing senses of Garbha (fetus). Vagbhata mentions that the fetus begins to perceive Sukha (pleasure) and Dukha (pain) during the third month.
26) Karnataka:
Karnataka is the state in India where the research and academic institutions associated with the authors are located.
27) Indriya (Imdriya):
Indriya means sense organs. According to Ayurvedic texts, these begin to develop during the third month, permitting the embryo to sense Sukha (pleasure) and Dukha (pain).
28) Kanthi (Kamthi):
Kanthi refers to G.M. Kanthi, a co-author and Professor & HOD (Rtd) in the Dept of Samhita & Siddhanta.
29) Shiras (Siras, Siro, Shirash):
Shiras refers to the head in Ayurvedic texts. The development of Shiras is prominently discussed during the third month of fetal development when the fetus starts perceiving Sukha (pleasure) and Dukha (pain).
30) Desire:
Desire pertains to the Douhridini concept, where the pregnant woman expresses longings, linked to the expression of fetal needs. Susruta states that in the fourth month, the fetus develops desires through the maternal heart.
31) Nabhi:
Nabhi is the umbilicus, considered the site of digestive fire (Jyotisthana) according to Susruta. This is critical in fetal growth, aiding in the absorption and nourishment processes.
32) Rakta:
Rakta means blood in Sanskrit. It is pivotal in nutrient transport and plays a role in early and continuous development of the Garbha (embryo/fetus).
33) Sira (Shira):
Sira means vessels. These develop during the sixth month, becoming crucial for nutrient and blood transport within the fetus, aiding overall growth and development.
34) India:
India is the country where the research and study of Ayurveda are deeply rooted and where this critical analysis was conducted.
35) Bija:
Bija refers to the seed or gamete. It is one of the essential factors in embryo formation, combining with Sonita (ovum) and Atma (soul) in the uterus to create Garbha.
36) Pain:
Pain perception in the fetus is discussed by Vagbhata and others. It begins developing in the third month, correlating with modern views on fetal reflex and sensory development.
37) Praspandana:
Praspandana refers to quivering or slight movement, indicating early signs of fetal activity. This is discussed by Kashyapa in the context of fetal development around the third month.
38) Prasphurana:
Prasphurana signifies quivering, related to the startle reflex and movement development in the fetus. It is especially noted during the later stages of pregnancy.
39) Unconscious:
Unconscious responses are mentioned in the context of startle reflexes in the fetus that occur by the sixth month, indicating neurological and muscular development.
40) Mamsapinda (Mamsa-pinda):
Mamsapinda refers to a mass of flesh, indicating the embryo's development into a more solid form during early stages. Harita correlates this with the embryo's formative stages during the first month.
41) Evolution:
Evolution refers to the developmental stages of the embryo into a fetus. Ayurveda provides a month-wise account of these phases, reflecting a deep understanding of embryogenesis.
42) Avyakta:
Avyakta means unmanifest. It describes the initial form of Garbha (embryo/fetus) during the first month when bodily parts are undeveloped and indistinct.
43) Adhmana:
Adhmana refers to the inflation of channels by Vayu (air), aiding in the growth and development of the fetus. Susruta mentions it in the context of fetal body expansion.
44) Disease:
Disease in the context of fetal development can manifest due to unmet maternal desires, leading to potential congenital anomalies, as indicated by both ancient and modern science.
45) Akasha (Akasa):
Akasha means ether, one of the Panchamahabhutas (five elements) vital in forming the Garbha (embryo/fetus). It contributes to creating space within body channels.
46) Kalala:
Kalala is a semisolid state describing early fetal development within the first month. This term correlates with early stages like blastomeres and blastocysts in modern embryology.
47) Pushti (Pusti):
Pushti refers to nourishment. In the third trimester, specifically in the seventh month, it indicates the well-rounded development and nourishment of the fetus.
48) Ankura (Amkura):
Ankura refers to buds. As per Harita, these buds, like limb buds, develop in the early stages of fetal growth, corresponding with modern descriptions of limb development.
49) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas (bodily humors) in Ayurveda, playing a role in the digestion and assimilation processes essential for fetal development.
50) Kapha:
Kapha, one of the three doshas (bodily humors), is involved in development and growth processes in the fetus, alongside Pitta and Vata during the second month of pregnancy.
51) Nakha:
Nakha refers to nails. The development of nails occurs during the sixth month of pregnancy, contributing to overall fetal growth and maturation.
52) Mamsa (Mamsha):
Mamsa means flesh. During the fifth month of pregnancy, there is an increase in fetal Mamsa, as indicated by Charaka, reflecting in maternal physical changes.
53) Snayu:
Snayu means ligaments. They develop during the sixth month, as mentioned by Ashtanga Hrudaya, contributing to the structural formation of the fetus.
54) Ghana:
Ghana means compact. It describes the embryo's state in the second month as its form solidifies, in line with the modern understanding of embryonic development.
55) Earth:
Earth, or 'Prithvi,' is one of the Panchamahabhutas (five elements). It contributes to the compactness and structural integrity of Garbha (embryo/fetus) as per Ayurvedic principles.
56) Roman (Roma):
Roma refers to hair. Fetal hair development occurs during the sixth month, as documented in both Ayurvedic and modern embryological studies.
57) Mana:
Mana means mind. Its development is noted in the third month, correlated with fetal awareness and response to external stimuli like light and sound.
58) Mud:
Mood refers to the emotional states and psychological fluctuations experienced by pregnant women, especially in later stages due to hormonal changes, impacting fetal well-being.
59) Human body:
The human body, in this context, refers to the comprehensive development and structural formation of the fetus over the trimesters, as documented both in Ayurveda and modern embryology.
60) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Ashtanga-sangraha is a seminal Ayurvedic text comparable to Ashtanga Hrudaya, providing detailed insights into fetal developmental stages and the role of doshas (bodily humors).
61) Sharngadhara (Sarngadhara, Sharnga-dhara):
Sharngadhara shares similar views on the formation of Garbha as Bhavamisra, emphasizing the union of male and female gametes.
62) Jatharagni (Jathara-agni):
Jatharagni denotes the digestive fire within the alimentary tract, crucial for both maternal and fetal nourishment and metabolism, aiding fetal growth and development.
63) Adhishthana (Adhisthana):
Adhishtana means abode or seat. In this context, it refers to the Garbha being the abode for Chetana (soul), a vital concept in understanding fetal development.
64) Napumsaka:
Napumsaka refers to a hermaphrodite or non-binary gender. If the embryo assumes a tumor-like form ('Arbudakara') during development, it leads to Napumsaka according to Ayurvedic texts.
65) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta means principles or theories. The text references Ayurvedic Siddhantas (principles) to explain the formation and development of Garbha.
66) Samhanana:
Samhanana means compactness. It is attributed to Prithvi (earth element) which provides the structural integrity to Garbha (embryo/fetus) according to Susruta and Dalhana.
67) Samghata (Sanghata):
Sanghata means consistency. The embryo becomes Ghana (compact) due to Sanghata of Panchabhutas (five elements), undergoing Paka (assimilation) by Kapha, Pitta, and Anila (humors).
68) Samgraha (Sangraha):
Sangraha refers to Ashtanga Sangraha, an important Ayurvedic text offering detailed insights into Garbhavridhi, authored by Vagbhata.
69) Samhita:
Samhita refers to texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which document various aspects of Garbhavridhi including the fetal development stages and contributing factors.
70) Kshetra (Ksetra):
Kshetra means place of conception, specifically the Garbhashaya (uterus) where the combination of Sukra (sperm) and Sonita (ovum) occurs, initiating the formation of Garbha.
71) Prithvi (Prthvi):
Prithvi means earth, an element in Panchamahabhutas. It is responsible for Samhanana (compactness) in fetal development, providing structural integrity to Garbha (embryo/fetus).
72) Samyoga:
Samyoga means union. Ayurvedic texts describe Garbha as the Samyoga (combination) of Sukra (sperm), Sonita (ovum), and Atma (soul), signifying conception.
73) Karshya (Karsya, Kashrya):
Karshya means emaciation or lean appearance. During the fifth month, as fetal growth intensifies, especially in muscle and blood mass, the pregnant woman's physique may become Krisha (lean).
74) Kledana:
Kledana means moistening, a function ascribed to the water element (Jala) in fetal development, ensuring fluidity and lubrication in the forming tissues and channels.
75) Mineral:
Minerals like iron and calcium become crucial in the eighth month of fetal development, absorbed by the fetus from maternal sources, contributing to bone and overall growth.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 113]
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