Garbha sanskar, as described earlier is a program designed to welcome the baby. It includes a series of events. Here in this article we shall have a brief idea about what exactly these procedures are?
The Garbha sanskar program basically comprises of three stages :
I) Preconception (Beej sanskar)
II) Duration of Pregnancy (Garbhasanskar)
III) Post Delivery (Bal sanskar)
I) Beej Sanskar – 
- Creating awareness and explaining the importance of Garbhasanskar.
- Determining Prakriti (Body constitution) of both the parents after proper examination and to get aquainted with their medical history if any.
- Beej shuddhi (Shodhan sanskar) by Panchakarma so that Ovum (Matru beej) and Sperm (Pitru beej) are in its best & purest form and devoid of any abnormalities or genetic disorders.
- Treatment for any associated ailments which can cause hindrance in conception.
- Treatment for conceiving Physically, mentally and emotionally healthy offspring. This can be achieved by Panchakarma, Rasayan (rejuvination) and Vajikar (aphrodisiac) medicines.
- Associated treatments which enhance the internal environment in the womb like Uttar basti, Pichu dharan and Dhawan.
- Dietary guidance.
- Yoga, exercise and meditation.
- Study about probable days for conception.
II) Garbha sanskar – 
Garbha sanskar is the stage where importantly mother is the one who is related to the foetus, and she should be taken care of . This is known as Garbhini Paricharya in Ayurveda. The phase begins from the time since pregnancy occurs till the birth of the baby.
The first three months of pregnancy are very essential and mother should receive all the love and care; as during these days the foetus is unstable inside the womb, it needs time and nourishment to gain the stability. In the second trimester the foetus attains the necessary stability and the focus is mainly on the evenly growth of the baby. In the third trimester the emphasis lays upon adding a golden touch to the child’s physical and mental development through medicines and other activities, taking care of baby’s weight, and also preparing the mother for labor.
Knowing your baby – Making the parents aware about the month-wise normal growth and development of the baby inside the womb, this strengthens the emotional bond.
During pregnancy the woman goes through hormonal variations, resulting in emotional and physical changes, which can be overcome with the help of a comforting and understanding spouse.
Solutions for common ailments like morning sickness, vomiting, in early pregnancy, and backache, acidity, pedal oedema etc in the later phase. Awareness about these common complaints reduces anxiety and stress .
Nutrition – Dietary advise and medicines corresponding to the month of pregnancy and development of the baby. Parents need to be explained the importance of proper nutrition, timely meals, and healthy meals. Few dietary and lifestyle habits have to be brought into practice monthwise as per doctor’s advise. Foods which are to be avoided during pregnancy are equally important.
Exercise – Exercise basically includes Breathing exercises, Yoga and meditation. Again type
of exercise varies trimester-wise and according to associated conditions/ complaints if any. Yoga and meditation helps to reduce stress, keeps your body fit and active and in the long run builds up your stamina for delivery. Exercise should be done under supervision of experts.
Role of Auto-suggestion and Music – It is a proven fact that since seventh month, baby inside the womb can listen to mother’s voice, external sounds, and music; hence it is suggested that mother should spare some time daily and communicate with her baby. she should listen to good music instruments like flute, veena, etc. indulge into meditation, listen, read aloud religious books or hyms, etc which conveys moral values & good thoughts to the baby.
Preparing for Child-birth or Labor – The spouse is made aware of the process of normal labor and stages of the same. Signs and symptoms of initiation of labor is well explained so that they would be able to make a right decision of when to go to hospital. A list of necessary things to carry along is handed over.
Mother care after delivery – The mother undergoes physical and emotional variations due to changes in hormonal levels after the delivery. A proper care and comfort can easily help her. She is advised about her dietary habits and daily regime which will help her keep fit and active thereafter.
III) Bal Sanskar – 
Bal sanskar is introduction to baby care, it includes topics like proper techniques of holding the baby, safety issues while sleeping, feeding, sanitation of the baby. Management of common complaints of baby like colic pain, gases, vomiting, etc. settling down a crying baby.
Mother is taught basics of Breast feeding, Do’s and Dont’s during and after feeding. Importance and techniques of massage and bathing are taught to the mother.
Last but not the least, vaccination schedule is explained, along with the importance of –Suvarna prashan sanskar – An Ayurvedic immunity booster.
A healthy child and a healthy mother is the goal.