UNDERSTANDING OF GARBHADHANA VIDHI (PRECONCEPTION CARE) IN PRESENT ERA

Preconception care refers to intervention provided to couples before conception. Research has shown that individual health, lifestyle choices, and family and social life alter the biological clock, which causes hormonal impairment and can significantly influence the health outcomes of their offspring. Hence, preconception plays a vital role. Garbadhanavidhi, explained in Ayurveda, is considered preconception care aiming for Shreyasi praja1, i.e, healthy offspring. It explains the suitable age for conception, selection of the right partner, position, time for coitus, rituals before conception, Shodana karma, Pumsavana karma, and following Rajaswala paricharya and Sadvritta. Literary data was collected from the classical text of Ayurveda, modern medical science textbooks, magazines and journals. Proper Shodana and Samskara help attain Shreyasi Praja by ensuring optimal Rutu, Kshetra, Ambu and Bheeja. The concepts in Ayurveda mainly focus on individual health to improve reproductive outcomes by minimising obstetric complications and giving healthy offspring.