What does Garbh Sanskar mean in the 3rd trimester?

Garbh sanskar is a daily schedule of activities which helps to develop an intuitive connection with the unborn baby. It increases communication and bonding with the baby, it can transmit positive thought, love and emotions to the foetus, so as to increase the likelihood of a calm, happier and healthier baby. Thus Garbh Sanskar is a scientific way of editing baby in the womb by educating the mother to involve her positive emotions and share with baby during pregnancy. Awareness to the sensation, mothers imbibe through her five senses, can provide a positive environment for a child to thrive

Your baby is now a cognizant being. (S)he is ready for education. Remember how Abhimanyu learnt from Arjun on how to penetrate the Chakravyuh while he was in his mother’s womb?. Another famous example is of Prahalad, where his mother listened to devotional songs and prayers of Lord Vishnu when she was pregnant. So, Prahalad despite being born in the clan of demons, became a staunch devotee of lord Vishnu.

What are Garbh Sanskar practices for the 3rd trimester of pregnancy?

In this trimester, your baby’s hearing capability has developed further. Sounds from outside the mother’s body can also be heard. Whatever you are telling the baby, making the baby listen or experiencing is going towards making the baby a divine being.

“Sanskaro hi gunaantt aradhanam” means to substitute bad traits with superior ones. Consider yourself as a scientist in a white coat in a laboratory. Yes, just as that scientist alters the substances he is working with, you too can alter the experiences your baby is getting.

In a study the intelligence of more than 100 babies whose mothers had undergone unusually high stress in pregnancy was measured. It found their IQ was generally about 10 points below average, and that many had higher than average levels of anxiety and attention deficit problems. When the study looked into the cause of stress, it turned out that relationship problems were the main cause of stress.

Here are the Garbh Sanskar practices for the 3rd trimester, in addition to what you have been following in the 1st trimester and the 2nd trimester.

‍Garbh Prarthana

Prarthana means prayer. It doesn’t matter who you pray to. Just take out time to fold your hands, close your eyes and say a prayer of thanks to the Almighty. Seek blessings upon the unborn baby. It draws the universe’s positive energies to the baby. Print some prayer and paste on the walls - read them aloud during the day.

‍Garbh Samvad

Feeling odd about talking loudly with your baby? Well, studies have proven the benefits. Everytime the foetus hears your voice being addressed directly to them, a sense of deep bonding develops. Sit in a calm place, talk to the baby - tell how your day was, what you did, any interesting thing that happened, what you ate, how those vitamins and minerals will benefit your baby. There are so many topics to choose from! You can even narrate a story that inculcates good values.

‍Garbh Sangeet‍

Music has a wonderful effect on the baby. Garbh Sanskar music varies from state to state in India, but it's usually instrumental with vocals only as an accompaniment or vocal-instrumental compositions. It makes the baby feel upbeat, and makes stress-free.

Classical music is the best choice since its range of notes and their repetition creates a soothing effect. Other kinds of music that you can choose from are any light and gentle tones. Avoid harsh and loud music.  It may startle your baby. Studies suggest that this kind of music can negatively affect brain development.

You can even change your phone’s ringtone to a Garbh Sanskar tune.

In addition to the above, here are some things you can do:

• Visualising the baby inside, getting ready for the correct birth position.
• Tender massage of the belly.
• Both parents talk to each other about the baby.
• Aromatherapy with essential oils.
• Pranayama and Yoga under guidance.
• Healthy Satvik diet, including ghee.
• Creative pursuits like art, sewing, and writing a journal.