Calcium, Iron and Folic acid suppliments during pregnancy

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Sub: Calcium, Iron and Folic acid suppliments during

pregnancy

 

The subject matter of sesame seeds has generated

interesting discussion and further querries. I would

like to add few more sentences.

 

The requirement of Ca, Fe and Folic Acid grows upto

three times during pregnancy. The lack of folic acid,

a water soluble vitamin B, causes a disorder termed

Spina Bifida, showing its presence in spasticity,

mental retardation and lack of control on waste

elimination in newborn baby. Formation of spinal chord

starts with pregnancy itself, much before the

confirmation of pregnancy by medical reports. Even if

pregancy confirmation by reports takes time, it is

better to start taking folate rich diet immediately

after the confirmation.

Since folic acid is water soluble, excess gets washed

out by kidney, and hence daily requirement must be

taken fresh. Dark green leafy vegetables such as

spinach, broccoli, fruits such as oranges, sprouted

beans and fresh milk are some of the vegetarian

sources. More can be found on various sites; e. g.:

 

http://www.sbaa.org/html/sbaa_folic_table.html

http://www.sbaa.org/folicacidtutorial/index.html

 

 

Calcium and Iron requirement arises from the bone

formation of the foetus and requirement of new cell

formation respectively. Some of the rich natural

ayurvedic sources are:

 

Praval Bhasma (not Praval Pishti)

Godanti Hartal Bhasma

Loha Bhasma

Tapyadi Loha

Kant Loha Bhasma

Navayas Loha

 

Above names are traditional, and further info can be

found in various traditional texts. They can be

purchased from any ayurvedic pharmacy by these names

or online (e.g. see allayurveda.com )

However, for all ingredients, spinach vegetable comes

readily to the mind. A rich readily absorbable source

of Iron is dates and raisins soaked for 3 hours in

water, crushed and swallowed. Can be given even for

diabetics. For anemic women, frequently, date crush

along with one of above Bhasmas is prescribed. These

are readily absorbed by intestines. With date crush

mixed with 250 mg of above, in 10 days, Haemoglobin

figure shoot up from 7.5 to 11 in most pessimistic

result. For specific case, 500 mg capsules of

following mixture have been used for (2-6 months).

 

Garbhpal Ras (meaning is the “protector of foetus”)

Godanti Bhasma

Praval Bhasma

Loh Bhasma

 

For an instance of usage, in November 2003, Mumbai,

“Normal” delivery of a healthy and happy baby (8 lbs)

after 4 hours of initial pain, even when the maternity

home had expected the necessity of Scessorian section.

Happy and heroic mother had undertaken Yoga, above

capsules for 4 months, dietary precautions and above

all, had strong cool mind. Though this is single

result, very encouraging. The baby appears above

normal in health, intelligence and youthful vigor.

 

Incidently, sesame seeds, when properly used along

with cooling substances such as butter, crystal sugar

etc. have been suggested in Indian folklore, to cure

bleeding during pregnancy as well as colic

ulcers/piles. Soaked dates are “cooling” while

unsoaked are warm and so is Jaggery. Hence, it is

application and practice that matters.

 

Regards

Dr. Bhate