No Sex, No Meat When Pregnant? A Fact Check for AYUSH Ministry!

Yes, pregnant women can have sex and eat meat when pregnant, AYUSH ministry. It’s healthy.

No lust, no meat, no bad thoughts, look at beautiful pictures. These are just some of the guidelines from a Woman and Child booklet released by Ayush Ministry ahead of International Yoga Day.

Now Dr I Acharya from Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy has clarified that he only said non veg should be avoided and not sex. But words like lust and desire are used in the booklet.

Gynaecologists around the world are shaking their heads in disbelief. And pregnant women are getting those bad thoughts. The nasty, angry kind.

For the sake of all the pregnant women who love sex and meat, Quint Health is doing a fact check on these sanskari guidelines.

1. 'Stay Away From Desire, Anger, Attachment, Hatred and Lust'

From anger and hatred? Yes, all the time. Not just when you are pregnant. But desire and lust? They are pregnant but they are still women. With womanly desires and sexual organs still very much intact. They lust. And they must.

Gynaecologists say it’s perfectly fine to have sex in a normal pregnancy. As the bump grows you may need to get creative on HOW you have sex, positions and all, but sex itself is just fine.

Nope, a baby isn't hurt when a pregnant woman and her partner make love. The amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus protect the baby. The thick mucus plug that seals the cervix helps guard against infection. The penis doesn't go beyond the vagina, so it won't reach the baby.

In fact, when you are past your due date and the baby not cometh, some doctors may even advise you to get busy in the bedroom to get those contractions going! Sex releases the hormone oxytocin into your bloodstream. Oxytocin prepares your cervix for labour, and can trigger contractions.

2. ‘Stay Away From Meat’

Well, only if it is raw or semi cooked.

It’s not safe to eat raw or under cooked meat, poultry, or fish or shellfish as they can harbor parasites or bacteria. Bacteria like listeria, toxoplasma, and salmonella can cause food poisoning, according to the NHS in the UK.

Also avoid raw or semi cooked eggs and cured meat like salamis and sausages.

But cooked meat, specially white, is a great source of protein for pregnant women and in some parts of the country, the only protein easily available.

If you are craving a steak, order it well done. And go for it!

3. 'Hang Some Good and Beautiful Pictures in the Bedroom'

There may be something to this. Pregnancy changes a woman’s brain, altering the size and structure of areas involved in perceiving the feelings and perspectives of others, according to a study published in journal Nature Neuroscience.

Another study says a pregnant woman’s mood change may harm the baby.

It’s debatable, but looking at beautiful pictures certainly harmed no one.

According to Japanese research looking at cute baby animal pictures makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and also improves your concentration. It’s called the power of cute! Now let’s all take a minute to admire the adorable baby seal below.

Pregnancy does not equate to celibacy. Nor does it equate to vegetarianism or becoming a saint. It’s a happy time. Do what your heart desires.