ROLE OF GARBHASANSKARA (PRENATAL EDUCATION) IN AYURVEDA AND MODERN PSYCHOLOGY: A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW
Introduction: Garbhasanskara, an ancient Ayurvedic concept, emphasizes the holistic nurturing of the fetus through maternal diet, behavior, rituals, and mental state during pregnancy. Modern psychology also highlights the profound impact of prenatal environment on fetal neurodevelopment, emotional regulation, and long-term mental health. While classical texts discuss Garbhasanskara as a way to shape the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the unborn, contemporary science associates maternal well-being with epigenetics, prenatal learning, and stress regulation. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AYUSH Research Portal, and Google Scholar (2000–2024). Keywords included “Garbhasanskara,” “prenatal education,” “Ayurveda pregnancy,” “maternal psychology,” and “fetal development.” Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) were reviewed alongside modern studies in psychology, neuroscience, and obstetrics. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, reviews, and authentic Ayurvedic commentaries; exclusion criteria were anecdotal reports without scientific basis. Results: Ayurvedic references describe Garbhasanskara as maternal practices of diet (ahara), conduct (vihara), rituals, music, meditation, and thought patterns that directly influence the fetus. Modern studies demonstrate that maternal stress, nutrition, and emotional state significantly affect fetal neurodevelopment and later cognitive-behavioral outcomes. Prenatal interventions such as guided relaxation, music therapy, and mindfulness show parallels with Garbhasanskara practices. Discussion: Ayurveda and modern psychology converge in recognizing maternal well-being as a cornerstone of healthy pregnancy outcomes. Garbhasanskara practices may be integrated with contemporary antenatal care as low-cost, non-invasive strategies for optimizing maternal-fetal health. However, standardized clinical trials are limited. Conclusion: Garbhasanskara provides a holistic model that aligns with modern prenatal psychology. Its integration into maternal healthcare could enhance fetal development and prevent long-term complications, provided rigorous scientific validation is undertaken.
KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, fetal development, Garbhasanskara, maternal psychology, prenatal education