A Randomized Comparative Trial to Evaluate the Role of Bala Beeja Granules and Jeevanti Granules in Fetal and Maternal Wellbeing W.S.R To Garbhini Paricharya in the Second Trimester
Abstract
Ayurveda emphasizes comprehensive antenatal care through the concept of Garbhini Paricharya, which advocates month-wise dietary and lifestyle regimens to promote optimal fetal and maternal wellbeing. The present randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the role of Bala Beeja Granules and Jeevanti Granules both described under Madhura Skandha by Acharya Charak in supporting fetal and maternal wellbeing during the second trimester of pregnancy. Sixty uncomplicated pregnant women aged 21– 40 years were randomly allocated into two groups, with Group A receiving Bala Beeja Granules and Group B receiving Jeevanti Granules in a dose of 10 g twice daily with milk for 16 weeks. Assessment was carried out using fetal biometry parameters, estimated fetal weight, amniotic fluid index, Doppler indices, maternal anthropometric measures, biochemical parameters and relief of minor pregnancy ailments.
Both interventions demonstrated encouraging outcomes in maintaining fetal growth parameters within Indian and international reference standards. However, Group B showed comparatively higher mean values for abdominal circumference, femur length, biparietal diameter, and estimated fetal weight at 28 weeks, suggesting a modest advantage in fetal growth promotion. Doppler studies in both groups remained within normal physiological limits, with Group B showing values closer to reference standards, indicating better uteroplacental adaptation. Maternal parameters such as Symphysio fundal height, abdominal girth, weight gain and BMI showed improvement in both groups, with slightly better trends in Group B. Relief in minor ailments differed between groups, with Group A showing greater improvement in constipation and general debility, while Group B showed better relief in pallor and palpitations. No adverse drug reactions were observed.
The study concludes that both Bala Beeja Granules and Jeevanti Granules are safe and effective formulations for supporting fetal and maternal wellbeing during the second trimester with Jeevanti Granules demonstrating a marginal clinical advantage in enhancing fetal growth and maternal nutritional status.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Garbhini Paricharya, Antenatal Care, Fetal Growth; Maternal Health, Pregnancy, Second Trimester, Randomized Controlled Trial, Herbal Medicine, Bala (Sida cordifolia), Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Fetal Biometry, Estimated Fetal Weight.
Keywords:
Ayurveda, Garbhini Paricharya, Antenatal Care, Fetal Growth, Maternal Health, Pregnancy, Second Trimester, Randomized Controlled Trial, Herbal Medicine, Bala (Sida cordifolia), Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Fetal Biometry, Estimated Fetal WeightDOI
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