Government's tips for a healthy baby: Avoid lust, non-veg

NEW DELHI: Pregnant women have been advised to stay away from "desire or lust", avoid non-vegetarian food and have spiritual thoughts, the government-funded Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy has said in a booklet released by Shripad Naik, minister of state for Ayush.

The controversial observations, which clearly lack any discernible rationale, are part of recommendations contained in a booklet "Mother and Child Care" distributed ahead of Yoga Day on June 21. It also includes advice like the need to avoid bad company.

"Pregnant women should detach themselves from desire, anger, attachment, hatredness (sic), and lust. Avoid bad company and be with good people in stable and peaceful condition always," the booklet said.


When contacted, CCRYN director Ishwara N Acharya said, "This is only an advisory and no one is forced to follow. The tips are based on years of clinical practice of yoga and naturopathy and there is nothing unusual about them."

He said the booklet doesn't suggest pregnant women avoid sex but only detach themselves from desire and lust.

He also said, "Non-vegetarian food should be avoided during pregnancy as that is a common principle in naturopathy." Part of the government's information, education and communication (IEC) material, the booklet has also suggested that expecting mothers read about the life of great personalities, keep themselves in "peace" and hang "good and beautiful pictures" in their bedrooms for a healthy baby.

Experts ridiculed the suggestions and said they have no basis. "In fact, eggs and non-vegetarian food is highly recommended during pregnancy as they are rich in protein," a doctor with a leading hospital in Delhi said.

Doctors also said caution while having sex is advised during the first trimester when the placenta is low-lying and especially in the case of high-risk pregnancies. Otherwise, if the pregnancy is normal, there is no need for abstinence as the baby in the womb is protected by the amniotic fluid and the uterus muscles.