EXPLORING THE ROLE OF YOLK SAC IN GARBHAPOSHANA: A TINY MIRA-CLE

Abstract

Nutrition is an integral part of development. In India, the prevalence of low birth weight has been reported as 26%, which is associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality1 . Not only adults but also a growing fetus requires a good source of nutrition right from fertilization till birth. A sufficient amount of nutrition is necessary for the growth of a healthy fetus and to reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities. Ayurveda has explained the preconceptional care for getting a healthy progeny2 . The process of Garbha poshana before the formation of Apara, that is in Asanjatavastha, the Garbha gets nourishment from Upasneha , Upasweda, and Tiryagatadhamani3 . This period can be taken as the first trimester of pregnancy as the Vyaktata of Anga takes place from the 4th month onwards. During this period the fetus gets nourishment by the secretions of fallopian tube and uterine glands in the form of histotroph. The anatomical structure which is involved during this period i.e. before the formation of placenta, for the transfer of nutrition is the yolk sac. The semi permeable membrane of yolk sac helps in transport of nutrition through diffusion during this period. The present paper helps to understand the role of yolk sac during Asanjatavastha of Garbhaposhana.