Beautiful Babies
How often my young and intelligent couples, as well as not-so-young (should I call them old!) and less educated couples, desire to have a fine baby, an intelligent baby, an extraordinary baby, and often a beautiful (i.e., fair) baby.
Why? I ask, and the answer is always the same. Young couples often desire to have only one child and naturally want the very best. Older couples may already have one or more children but are not fully satisfied. Though they love their children dearly, they may feel their child is less intelligent, has a darker complexion, or does not meet their expectations. I often hear them say:
"Sir, the child is just like us, dark-skinned. She is a girl, and we want our next child to be fair."
"Sir, our baby boy is so dull. He is not studying properly, and nothing seems to stay in his mind."
"Sir, both of us are short. It will be difficult for our child to get married if he or she is also short."
I simply wonder. I know that everyone wishes for a tall, smart, intelligent, beautiful, or handsome child. That is what present-day society often seems to demand. Are they wrong in wishing so, or should they be discouraged? I still do not have the answer. Is it not all determined by chromosomes?
During the last 40 years of my practice as an Obstetrician, Gynecologist, and Infertility Specialist, I have often found myself in situations where my answers require careful thought rather than an instant response. They have to be measured, calculated, and as calm as possible because I understand India and the psychology of its people. So, instead of criticizing or blaming these couples, I try to help them—and believe me, it does help.
Grabh-Samhita
India is a deeply rooted religious country where people pray to their gods and goddesses, saints, and spiritual figures. They believe in their ancestors, traditions, beliefs, and medicines. Garbh-Samhita is an ancient science that explains how to bring a healthy, intelligent, and extraordinary baby into the world by following certain principles. This science is meant for those who believe in it, and although it is difficult to discuss it in detail here, I encourage my couples to read books on Garbh-Samhita. It prepares parents from the preconception stage to delivery and emphasizes the importance of positive, noble, and spiritual thoughts.
Food
I have often heard my grandmother advising pregnant women about what to eat and what to avoid. Reading many books and articles on the subject has made me even more curious to learn.
I advise couples to eat home-cooked food and avoid late-night meals, mainly because of health and hygiene concerns. While some recommend more alkaline foods or vinegar for influencing the baby's characteristics, I believe such claims go too far. However, I do believe that, just like your thoughts, your food may play an important role during pregnancy.
A pregnancy should not be disturbed or require treatment for gastroenteritis simply because you ate street food the previous night. A balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in a 4:4:2 ratio is appropriate.
Drugs
Over the last few decades, everyone has become more conscious about preventing congenital malformations in babies. Some of these conditions are preventable. The importance of folic acid is well established, and hundreds of thousands of women have benefited from taking folic acid tablets during the preconception period.
More recently, methylcobalamin has been added along with folic acid during the first trimester, while an adequate dose of DHA is recommended during the second and third trimesters. DHA contributes to the brain development of the fetus, and many excellent studies published in medical literature support its benefits.
Indian pregnant women commonly require iron and calcium supplements because iron deficiency anemia and calcium deficiency are very common.
The use of antioxidants, amino acids, and protein supplements also has its merits. However, there are always differing opinions, so their use should be based on a doctor's advice rather than self-medication. I do prescribe these supplements where appropriate, believing in their potential benefits.
Looking back over the years, I have definitely seen a significant decrease in the number of mothers suffering from anemia, preeclampsia, and prematurity. Similarly, babies today are generally born healthier, with above-average birth weights, better overall health, improved intelligence, and fewer congenital malformations.
Exercise
Physical conditioning during pregnancy is essential, whether a woman is working professionally or is a homemaker. I encourage my patients to continue their regular work or household activities whenever possible.
A brisk 20-minute walk along with light exercise during the last three months of pregnancy is extremely beneficial. Maintaining a positive and happy state of mind is equally important.
In summary, positive thoughts, spiritual well-being, healthy food, the intelligent use of medicines, and a happy personal environment can all contribute to bringing a healthy and wonderful baby into the world.
Sperm Separation
A unique gradient technique is used to separate healthy sperms from weaker ones before they are inserted into the uterine cavity around the time of ovulation. This technique is commonly used for infertile couples and can also be considered for planned pregnancies. A "designer baby" may become a possibility when the best sperm meets the healthiest ovum.
Although opinions on this technique vary, I have used sperm separation for many couples who wished to have a planned pregnancy rather than an accidental one. I am happy to say that many of these couples are delighted with their decision to choose this technique. God creates, and man recreates.
I hope to see a day when every pregnancy is a planned one, resulting in the birth of a healthy, intelligent child. Such planning may be one of the keys to ensuring the continued progress and prosperity of our society.
