Although Ayurveda is described as different from modern science, when pregnancy stages are concerned, there remains no difference because baby develops as it should in the mother's womb. However, Ayurveda- apart from describing all the normal pregnancy stages in the form of baby's development in the womb- also describes four stages of labor (delivery process of the child from the womb of the mother). These stages of labour are- Prajayini; Upasthita Prasava; Prajayi Syamana; and Apara Patana. It not only explains pregnancy labour stages but also signs of labour at each stage and certain ayurvedic tips to grant relief to the pregnant woman and for ensuring easy and smooth delivery of the baby.

• • Prajayini-It is the first stage of pregnancy labor. The pregnant woman feels lightness in the sides and epigastrium (the upper and median part of the abdomen, lying over the stomach). A mild pain is also experienced by her in the lower abdomen and the waist. She feels the urge of frequent urination and stool along with white vaginal discharge. The pregnant woman feels very exhausted at this stage. Ayurveda recommends giving her rice kanji (Congee or rice gruel made by boiling rice in water or milk) with some ghee (clarified butter). However, there is no restriction on her moving about intermittently during this stage of pregnancy.
• • Upasthita Prasava-It is the second stage of labour marked with strong labour pains. The "Garbhodaka" or the amniotic fluid gushes out during this stage. The pregnant woman should sit with legs folded on the bed. Her family member should give her all kinds of emotional support. Inhaling fine powder of kustha, Cardamon, Langali, Vaca, Citraka, Bilva and cavya or smoke of leaves of Bhurja or Simsapa sara is advised at this stage. She must relax in between pains. Warm medicated oil massage can be done over her waist, back pelvis and hips.
• • Prajayi Syamana- During this third stage of labour, the head of the foetus enters the pelvis and the mother experiences intense pain. She should lie down on the back and the attending doctor or nurse must encourage her to bear down at the onset of the pains but not in between the pains, as it can result in exhaustion of the mother, fetal distress and abnormal presentation. When the head, shoulder or hips of the baby try to come out, there can be certain obstructions in the process. If so happens, the vagina should be exposed to the medicated smoke of the skin of a snake or Madanaphala. Vagina should be given medicated oil massage intermittently. If the mother experiences only weak pains, 'Samirapannaga rasa' and enemas can be administered to her and the baby may be pulled out.
• • Apara Patana- Expulsion of the placenta is the fourth and final stage of labour. Ayurveda does not consider the pregnancy stages complete unless placenta is expelled. If the placenta is not expelled naturally, it recommends certain procedures to do the same. Hypogastrium (the lower and median part of the abdomen) should be pressed with the right hand. At the same time, the spine should be supported with the left hand till the placenta is expelled. If this measure fails, the attending healthcare attendant should insert a clean hand (hand should have clipped nails and should be lubricated with medicated oil or ghee) along with the cord into the uterus and gently separate the placenta and remove it.

Herbs and Tips for Pregnancy Labor

Ayurveda recommends certain traditional medicines during pregnancy labor

• • Make paste of Kas and Talisa leaves and mix it with wine, Kulattha (horsegram) soup or Mandukaparni (Centella Asiatica) extract before giving it to the woman having labor.
• • Kustha (Saussurea lappa) and Langali (Gloriossa superba Linn) can be given orally with wine.
• • Insert a cotton swab soaked in sesame oil medicated with Satapuspa, Kustha, Madanaphala and Asafoetida in vagina.
• • Enema of sesame oil medicated with Satapuspa, Kustha, Madanaphala and Asafoetida can also be given.
• • Enema with a decoction of Madanaphala, Jimuta, lksavaku, Dhamargava, Krtavedhana, Hastipippali can also be given.
• • Paste of Shalmali stem in decoction of Bruhat panchamula with a small quantity of sesame oil can aslo be taken for giving enema.
• • Palate and throat of the pregnant woman should be stimulated till she coughs. This will exert pressure on her abdominal area and help in easy delivery.

Disclaimer- This article is meant for general information. It is highly recommended to take expert opinion before trying any remedy herein.