IMPACT OF BASTI THERAPY ON MATERNAL WEIGHT GAIN AND FETAL OUTCOME IN AN UNDERWEIGHT PRIMIGRAVIDA: AN AYURVEDIC CASE REPORT

Background: Maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy is one of the important determinants of pregnancy outcome. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, and gestational age play a crucial role in determining maternal and fetal health. Underweight pregnant women are at increased risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and low birth weight infants, while Ayurveda describes that inadequate Ahāra leads to Vāta aggravation, poor formation of Rasa Dhātu, and insufficient nourishment of the fetus. Thus, both systems clearly highlight that maternal undernutrition directly affects fetal growth and development. Objective: To evaluate the role of Basti therapies in improving maternal weight gain and fetal outcome in an underweight primigravida. Materials and Methods: A 20-year-old primigravida with a body weight of 34 kg was managed with Kṣīrāṇḍa Basti and Kṣīrāṇḍa Basti with Kṣīrabala Taila during the 5th and 7th months of pregnancy. Mātrā Basti with Sukha Prasava Ghṛta and Yoni Pichu with Kṣīrabala Taila were administered after 37 weeks. Results: Maternal weight increased from 34 kg in the first trimester to 46 kg by the third trimester. The patient delivered a healthy full-term neonate weighing 2.5 kg through normal vaginal delivery without maternal or neonatal complications. Conclusion: Appropriately selected Basti therapies during pregnancy can be beneficial in improving maternal nutrition, regulating Vāta, and supporting normal fetal growth.