GARBHINI VYAPAD – UDAVARTA

GARBHINI VYAPAD – UDAVARTA

• Garbhini Vyapad are disorders that arise specifically during pregnancy due to various Nidanas affecting the mother and fetus.

• Udavarta is one such condition described in Ayurveda, resulting from the vitiation of Vata dosha and improper dietary habits or regimens in pregnancy.

• It is also classified under Vataja Garbhini Vyapad and is marked by obstructed or reversed movement of Vata causing upward peristalsis.

NIDANA (ETIOLOGICAL FACTORS)

• Suppression of natural urges like defecation, urination, flatus (especially Apana Vata)

• Improper diet during pregnancy, such as consumption of Guru, Ruksha, Vata-provoking food

• Lack of proper Garbhini Paricharya (antenatal regimen)

• Physical or emotional stress during pregnancy

• Improper posture and lack of rest

• Excessive sitting or inactivity

🔹Relevant Shloka:
"वातादूर्ध्वगं गच्छति यः स्तम्भयति गर्भिणीम्।
उदावर्त इति ख्यातो गर्भिण्या वायुदोषजः॥"
(Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttarasthana 2/39)

SAMPRAPTI (PATHOGENESIS)

• Due to suppression of Apana Vata, the normal downward movement is obstructed.

• Vata gets aggravated and moves in the opposite direction (Urdhwaga Gati), affecting the functions of Pakwashaya and Garbhashaya.

• This leads to constipation, pain, abdominal distension, and other systemic symptoms.

LAKSHANA (CLINICAL FEATURES)

• Severe constipation (Vibandha)

• Colicky abdominal pain

• Flatulence and abdominal distension

• Hiccups, nausea, vomiting

• Upward movement of Vata causing chest discomfort

• Pain in back and pelvis

• Irritability and uneasiness

🔹Relevant Shloka:
"विबन्धः पार्श्वशूलं च शिरःकम्पः कफोदरम्।
उदावर्ते भवेदेतत् पाण्याघ्रातशिरोभ्रमः॥"
(Sushruta Samhita, Sharira Sthana 10/9)

UPADRAVA (COMPLICATIONS IF UNTREATED)

• Improper fetal nourishment

• Risk of preterm labour or miscarriage

• Increased maternal morbidity due to pain and systemic Vata vitiation

• Intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) due to Apana Vata Dushti

CHIKITSA (TREATMENT)

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

1. SNEHANA (OLEATION)

• Internal and external use of Ghrita or Taila to pacify Vata

• Use of castor oil (Eranda taila) or Trivrut Avaleha in small, monitored doses to ease bowel movement

• Sneha Yuktahara is advised

🔹Relevant Shloka:
"स्नेहस्वेदनपूर्वं तु गर्भिणी वायुनाशनम्।
प्रयुञ्जीत यथासात्म्यं तैलादीन्वातनाशनान्॥"
(Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana 8/31)

2. SWEDANA (SUDATION)

• Mild fomentation in the form of Avagaha (sitz bath) or local warm compresses

• Must be very mild to avoid harm to fetus

3. VATA-HARA YOGA ADMINISTRATION

• Draksha Avaleha, Ashwagandha Churna, Shatavari Kalpa with milk

• Sukumara Ghrita (1–2 tsp in the morning with warm water or milk)

• Erandabhrishta Haritaki (mild laxative)

4. BASTI (ENEMA THERAPY)

• Use of Matra Basti with Bala taila or Ksheerabala taila

• Anuvasana Basti for regulating Apana Vata (only under expert supervision)

5. PATHYA-AHARA VIHARA

• Easily digestible food like Yusha, Manda, Peya

• Avoid Vata-provoking foods: dry, raw, spicy, cold foods

• Encourage regular movement, avoid suppression of urges

• Abhyanga with Vatahara Tailas

• Adequate rest, warm environment

MODERN CORRELATION

• Closely resembles constipation with associated abdominal discomfort during pregnancy.

• In modern obstetrics, this is commonly due to:
  • Hormonal changes (Progesterone reduces bowel motility)
  • Mechanical pressure by growing uterus
  • Iron/calcium supplements
  • Dehydration and low-fiber diet

MODERN MANAGEMENT

• Dietary modification: High-fiber diet, fluids, vegetables

• Safe laxatives: Bulk-forming agents like Ispaghula (Psyllium husk)

• Stool softeners: Docusate sodium

• Safe physical activity: Walking, light prenatal yoga

• Probiotics may be recommended

• Avoid use of stimulant laxatives unless necessary

PREVENTION

• Follow GARBHINI PARICHARYA from the beginning of pregnancy

• Avoid suppression of natural urges

• Maintain proper bowel habits and hydration

• Balanced diet and mild exercise

PROGNOSIS (SATYASATYA VICHARA)

• Generally Sadhya (curable) with proper Vatahara and bowel regulation

• Yapya if recurrent or associated with systemic Vata disorders