Need for the study-

The Grabhasamskara Protocol is a well-established Ayurvedic intervention that has been utilized for promoting maternal and foetal health during pregnancy. This protocol, which includes a combination of dietary recommendations, lifestyle modifications, and herbal supplements, has been shown to have positive effects on both the physical and mental well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children.

Dance therapy is another intervention that has been gaining recognition for its potential benefits during pregnancy[i]. It involves the use of movement and dance as a form of therapy, and it has been shown to have positive effects on both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that Dance can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being in pregnant women Indian classical dance forms have a soothing and emotional impact on the mother, that in turn will have better maternal and foetal outcomes.

Despite the potential benefits of both Gabhasamskara and Dance Therapy, there is limited research on the combined effects of these interventions during pregnancy. Therefore, the need for this study is to investigate the potential synergistic effects of Gabhasamskara with and without classical dance therapy on maternal and foetal health during pregnancy. By examining the combined effects of these interventions, we can gain a better understanding of how they can be used together to promote the health and well-being of pregnant women and their unborn child.

Research Gap Analysis- Lack of empirical evidence exploring the combined effects of Classical Dance Therapy with Gabhasamskara Protocol on maternal and foetal outcomes. Previous studies have primarily focused on either Gabhasamskara techniques or aerobic dance therapy, leaving a notable void in understanding the potential synergistic benefits of integrating both modalities. This trial aims to bridge this gap by providing valuable insights into the efficacy of such integrated approaches, thus addressing a critical gap.

RATIONALE OF THE TRIAL PROTOCOL

The protocol is designed with combination of Physical work- up and emotional expression. As recommended by ACOG physical exercise of 30min regularly have a good impact on labour outcomes.[ii] Addition of the emotional quotient by including enactment of the garbhasamvada, will provide add-on effect by impacting the positive thoughts among the pregnant woman.

Physical Workup -  Classical Dance form like- Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Etc depend on group of hand and leg movements called “Adavu”[iii]. These Adavu are based on the Semi –sitting Posture called Aramandi.  Aremandi, also known as Ardhamandala[iv], is a fundamental posture in Indian classical dance forms, especially in Bharatanatyam and Odissi. The term "Ardhamandi" is derived from the combination of two Sanskrit words: "Ardha," meaning half, and "Mandi," meaning legs and knee joint. Together, Ardhamandi refers to a semi-seated or half-squatting stance that is characteristic of the traditional Indian dance styles.

Details of the Aramandi Posture-

Posture- Semi-squatting position with the knees bent and the weight evenly distributed on both legs. The stance resembles the shape of a partially opened lotus flower.

Body Alignment- The back is kept straight, and the chest is lifted. The head is held in a neutral position with the eyes focused on a specific point.

Symbolism-  This posture symbolizes a sense of rootedness, stability, and connection to the earth. It is considered a strong and foundational stance, providing the dancer with a solid base from which to execute intricate footwork, body movements, and expressions.

Emotional Workup- Garbhasamvada is a part of Gabhasamskar protocol where, the mother is made to imagined to have conversation between Garbha and Herself. In this protocol the process of imagining is made in the form of enactment by the pregnant woman. Thus the woman feels that she is physically doing the enactment of what she does in her imagination. This will enhance the Matrutva bhava among the mothers and thus help in impacting positive outcome in pregnancy. 

Previous Research works:

1.      Effect of aerobic dance on cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women: A randomised controlled trial Halvorsen, Silje et al.[v]

2.      Aerobic Exercise and Submaximal Functional Capacity in Overweight Pregnant Women-A Randomized Trial- Santos et al. [vi]

3.      Effect of Garbh Sanskar (Yoga) on Maternal and Perinatal Outcome, Chaudhary A. et allz[vii]

4.      The Effect of Selected Aspect of Gabhasamskara on Stress, Coping Strategies and Wellbeing of Antenatal Mothers, Jyotsna Deshpande et all[viii]

5.      Clinical evaluation of effect of music with creative visualization on foetal growth and maternal physiology with special reference to E.C.G Vaishnav mauli, Usha V.N.K.[ix]

RESEARCH QUESTION:

Is there any change in the efficacy of the Integrated Gabhasamskara Protocol with and Without Adavu practice when compared with Only WHO recommended guideline on maternal and foetal outcome in the 20-32 weeks of gestation? 

Hypothesis-

Gabhasamskara Protocol Study:

Null Hypothesis (H0):

There is no difference in the efficacy of the Integrated Gabhasamskara Protocol with Adavu practice and the Gabhasamskara Protocol without Adavu Practice when compared with only WHO recommended guidelines on maternal and foetal outcome in 20-32 weeks of gestation.

Alternate Hypothesis (H1):

There is a difference in the efficacy of the Integrated Gabhasamskara Protocol with Adavu Practice and the Gabhasamskara Protocol without Adavu Practice when compared with only WHO recommended guidelines on maternal and foetal outcome in the 20-32 weeks of gestation.

Aim:

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of the Gabhasamskara Protocol with Adavu Practice and the Gabhasamskara Protocol without Adavu Practice when compared with only WHO recommended guidelines on maternal and foetal outcome in the 20-32 weeks of gestation.

Objectives

Primary objectives

1.      To evaluate and compare the efficacy of integrated garbha samskara protocol and standard Anti-natal care on outcome indicators related to maternal and foetal outcome between 20-32 weeks of Gestational age.

2.      Analytical study of the Gokshurasiddhayavagu and medical intervention during 20-32 weeks of gestation.

Secondary objectives

1.      To evaluate and compare the effectiveness in lowering the maternal complications such as pregnancy induced hyper tension, Anaemia in pregnancy.

2.      To evaluate and compare the effectiveness in lowering the foetal adverse outcomes like Intra Uterine growth retardation, Oligohydramnios and Polyhydramnios etc

3.      To evaluate the effectiveness in maintaining adequate utero placental blood flow.

4.      To evaluate the effectiveness in maintaining quality of life of pregnant women

5.      To compare the dietary intake and nutritional status between pregnant women consuming Gokshurasiddha Yavagu and those not consuming it within the study period.