Abstract

NURTURING MENTAL HEALTH DURING PREGNANCY: A JOURNEY OF EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

Atiya Anjum* and Shazia Anjum

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for women, marked by numerous physical and emotional changes. While it is a time of joy and anticipation, it can also be accompanied by stress and anxiety. Pregnancy triggers a range of hormonal and physiological changes, making women more susceptible to stress. When a pregnant woman experiences stress, her body releases stress hormones such as cortisol, which, when consistently elevated, can potentially affect the developing fetus. Prolonged or chronic stress during pregnancy has been associated with adverse outcomes. Unani medicine, an ancient healing system, offers valuable insights and approaches to manage pregnancy-related stress. In this article, we will explore how Unani medicine views pregnancy with special reference to mental well-being, and discuss effective strategies within this system to promote a balanced and stress-free pregnancy experience.

Keywords: Pregnancy, stress, anxiety, depression, mental well-being, Unani Medicine.