GarbhShiksha

हिंदी में पढ़ें 

19 verses with meanings

Bhagavad Gita verses for pregnancy

Can you read the Bhagavad Gita while pregnant? Yes. Many mothers read a few verses every day, and some read a chapter at a time. The Gita has 700 verses in 18 chapters, so you don't need to read it all. We have chosen 19 verses that speak to pregnancy and set them out in the Gita's own order.

Some fit the first weeks. 'Bear the passing waves' (2.14) is a reminder that tired, queasy days come and go, and 6.17 praises balance in food, sleep and activity. In chapter 14, Krishna uses the womb itself as a picture of creation (14.3), and the next verse is a lovely one for fathers to read. In the middle months, 16.1–3 list the 'divine qualities' many parents hope their child will grow up with. Near the end, 2.47, do your part and let go of the result, helps many mothers loosen their grip on the birth plan.

Read in any trimester, at whatever time of day suits you. Morning is a favourite. Read the meaning first, then chant one verse slowly a few times, or simply read it aloud to your baby. The Gita won't decide your child's nature or how your birth goes, but it can give you a few steady, quiet minutes. For anything about your health, your doctor's advice comes first. Read our disclaimer

Coping with nausea and discomfort

Bear the Passing Waves

मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः ।आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत ॥

matra-sparshas tu kaunteya shitoshna-sukha-duhkha-dah, agamapayino 'nityas tams titikshasva bharata

Bhagavad Gita 2.14

Meaning

Feelings of heat and cold, pleasure and pain, come and go. They do not last. Bear them patiently.

Why we suggest this

Nausea, tiredness and mood swings often ease by weeks 12–16. This verse is a reminder that 'this too will pass'.

What you can expect

A calmer way to sit with discomfort.

Best time
Morning on waking, or any time you feel uneasy
How to practise
One verse, 3–11 times. Short 5-minute sessions are enough
Who can chant
Mother; family can read aloud on tired days
Best weeks
Weeks 4–13

Honest noteMay help you feel calmer. It does not treat nausea. Severe vomiting needs a doctor.

Theme: First Trimester Comfort

Letting go of the birth plan

Do Your Part, Let Go of Results

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥

karmany evadhikaras te ma phaleshu kadachana, ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango 'stv akarmani

Bhagavad Gita 2.47

Meaning

You have a right to your effort, not to its results. Do not act only for the reward, and do not give up action either.

Why we suggest this

Births rarely go exactly to plan. This verse helps you prepare well and then let go.

What you can expect

Less pressure about 'the perfect birth'.

Best time
Same time every day
How to practise
Choose 1–2 'birth verses' and repeat them daily until labour
Who can chant
Mother and birth partner
Best weeks
Weeks 28–37

Honest noteMay help you feel calmer. It cannot guarantee a normal delivery. Every safe birth, including a caesarean, is a good birth.

Theme: Preparing for Birth

Steady through ups and downs

Steady in Sorrow and Joy

दुःखेष्वनुद्विग्नमनाः सुखेषु विगतस्पृहः ।वीतरागभयक्रोधः स्थितधीर्मुनिरुच्यते ॥

duhkheshv anudvigna-manah sukheshu vigata-sprihah, vita-raga-bhaya-krodhah sthita-dhir munir uchyate

Bhagavad Gita 2.56

Meaning

One who is not upset in sorrow, not greedy in joy, and free from attachment, fear and anger, is called steady-minded.

Why we suggest this

Hormones bring mood swings in the first trimester. This verse holds up the ideal of a steady mind.

What you can expect

A gentle anchor on emotional days. Mood swings are normal; be kind to yourself.

Best time
Morning on waking, or any time you feel uneasy
How to practise
One verse, 3–11 times. Short 5-minute sessions are enough
Who can chant
Mother; family can read aloud on tired days
Best weeks
Weeks 4–13

Honest noteMay help you feel calmer. It does not treat nausea. Severe vomiting needs a doctor.

Theme: First Trimester Comfort

Gratitude for food

Brahmarpanam – Offering the Meal

ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम् ।ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना ॥

brahmarpanam brahma havir brahmagnau brahmana hutam, brahmaiva tena gantavyam brahma-karma-samadhina

Bhagavad Gita 4.24

Meaning

The offering is divine, the food is divine, the fire is divine. The one who sees the divine in every act reaches the divine.

Why we suggest this

One of the best-known Indian mealtime prayers.

What you can expect

Thankfulness at each meal.

Best time
Before meals, or when taking supplements
How to practise
Once before each meal, or 11 times in the morning
Who can chant
Mother; whole family at meals
Best weeks
Any week

Honest noteA prayer of gratitude. It does not replace diet advice, iron and folic acid, or medicines.

Theme: Mother's Health & Nourishment

Self-belief

Lift Yourself Up

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् ।आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥

uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah

Bhagavad Gita 6.5

Meaning

Lift yourself up by your own effort. Do not let yourself sink. You are your own best friend, and can be your own enemy.

Why we suggest this

Self-belief for your child, and for you on hard days.

What you can expect

A lift in confidence.

Best time
Morning
How to practise
3–11 times, then read the meaning aloud
Who can chant
Mother and father
Best weeks
Weeks 16–32

Honest noteA prayer of hope. A child's nature comes from genes, health, love and upbringing. Chanting cannot 'programme' qualities.

Theme: Qualities for Your Child

Balanced routine

Balance in Food, Sleep and Activity

युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु ।युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा ॥

yuktahara-viharasya yukta-cheshtasya karmasu, yukta-svapnavabodhasya yogo bhavati duhkha-ha

Bhagavad Gita 6.17

Meaning

For one who is balanced in eating, rest, work, sleep and waking, yoga removes sorrow.

Why we suggest this

It matches Ayurveda's care of the pregnant woman (Garbhini Paricharya): moderate food, rest and a calm daily routine.

What you can expect

A gentle reminder to rest, eat small regular meals and not overdo things.

Best time
Morning on waking, or any time you feel uneasy
How to practise
One verse, 3–11 times. Short 5-minute sessions are enough
Who can chant
Mother; family can read aloud on tired days
Best weeks
Weeks 4–13

Honest noteMay help you feel calmer. It does not treat nausea. Severe vomiting needs a doctor.

Theme: First Trimester Comfort

Lamp meditation

Like a Lamp in a Windless Place

यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता ।योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मनः ॥

yatha dipo nivata-stho nengate sopama smrita, yogino yata-chittasya yunjato yogam atmanah

Bhagavad Gita 6.19

Meaning

Like a lamp in a place with no wind, which does not flicker: that is the calm mind.

Why we suggest this

Light a diya, watch the flame and read this. It is a simple meditation.

What you can expect

A still, quiet mind for a few minutes. Keep the lamp safely away from fabric.

Best time
Evening lamp time
How to practise
Soft or silent repetition with slow breathing, 5–10 minutes
Who can chant
Mother; someone close to you can read aloud
Best weeks
Any week

Honest noteSlow, rhythmic chanting can slow your breathing, and many people find that calming (studied in adults who were not pregnant).

Theme: Sleep & Calm Mind

Whole-family verse

You Are Mother and Father of the World

पिताहमस्य जगतो माता धाता पितामहः ।वेद्यं पवित्रमोङ्कार ऋक्साम यजुरेव च ॥

pitaham asya jagato mata dhata pitamahah, vedyam pavitram omkara rik sama yajur eva cha

Bhagavad Gita 9.17

Meaning

I am the father of this world, the mother, the support and the grandfather. I am what is to be known, the pure one, Om and the Vedas.

Why we suggest this

It names every family role, so the whole family can say it together.

What you can expect

A feeling that the whole family is part of this pregnancy.

Best time
Evening, in a quiet room, hand on belly
How to practise
Repeat the same verse daily for a week. Sing or say it softly
Who can chant
Whole family
Best weeks
Weeks 18–28

Honest noteBabies respond to sound from about 19 weeks and learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy. They learn the sound, not the meaning.

Theme: Bonding with Baby

Trust when worried

I Carry What They Need

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते ।तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ॥

ananyash chintayanto mam ye janah paryupasate, tesham nityabhiyuktanam yoga-kshemam vahamy aham

Bhagavad Gita 9.22

Meaning

Those who think of me with full faith, I take care of what they need and protect what they have.

Why we suggest this

Early pregnancy brings worry about money, work and health. This verse invites trust.

What you can expect

Relief from feeling that you must carry everything alone.

Best time
Morning on waking, or any time you feel uneasy
How to practise
One verse, 3–11 times. Short 5-minute sessions are enough
Who can chant
Mother; family can read aloud on tired days
Best weeks
Weeks 4–13

Honest noteMay help you feel calmer. It does not treat nausea. Severe vomiting needs a doctor.

Theme: First Trimester Comfort

Wonder at a new life

The Source of Those Yet to Be Born

मृत्युः सर्वहरश्चाहमुद्भवश्च भविष्यताम् ।कीर्तिः श्रीर्वाक्च नारीणां स्मृतिर्मेधा धृतिः क्षमा ॥

mrityuh sarva-harash chaham udbhavash cha bhavishyatam, kirtih shrir vak cha narinam smritir medha dhritih kshama

Bhagavad Gita 10.34

Meaning

I am the source of those who are yet to be born. Among feminine qualities I am fame, grace, speech, memory, intelligence, steadiness and patience.

Why we suggest this

Krishna calls himself the origin of beings still to come, which includes your baby. Then he lists seven strengths a mother draws on.

What you can expect

A feeling of inner strength and wonder.

Best time
Evening, in a quiet room, hand on belly
How to practise
Repeat the same verse daily for a week. Sing or say it softly
Who can chant
Mother, father, older siblings
Best weeks
Weeks 18–28

Honest noteBabies respond to sound from about 19 weeks and learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy. They learn the sound, not the meaning.

Theme: Bonding with Baby

Kindness

Kindness to All

अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च ।निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी ॥

adveshta sarva-bhutanam maitrah karuna eva cha, nirmamo nirahankarah sama-duhkha-sukhah kshami

Bhagavad Gita 12.13

Meaning

Without hatred for anyone, friendly and kind, free of selfishness and pride, steady in joy and sorrow, forgiving.

Why we suggest this

A beautiful picture of a kind person.

What you can expect

A gentle mood; good before sleep.

Best time
Morning
How to practise
3–11 times, then read the meaning aloud
Who can chant
Mother and father
Best weeks
Weeks 16–32

Honest noteA prayer of hope. A child's nature comes from genes, health, love and upbringing. Chanting cannot 'programme' qualities.

Theme: Qualities for Your Child

Contentment and resolve

Contented and Firm

सन्तुष्टः सततं योगी यतात्मा दृढनिश्चयः ।मय्यर्पितमनोबुद्धिर्यो मद्भक्तः स मे प्रियः ॥

santushtah satatam yogi yatatma dridha-nishchayah, mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktah sa me priyah

Bhagavad Gita 12.14

Meaning

One who is always content, self-controlled and firm in resolve, whose mind and heart are given to me, is dear to me.

Why we suggest this

Contentment and determination, two qualities that help a child through life.

What you can expect

A peaceful sense of 'enough'.

Best time
Morning
How to practise
3–11 times, then read the meaning aloud
Who can chant
Mother and father
Best weeks
Weeks 16–32

Honest noteA prayer of hope. A child's nature comes from genes, health, love and upbringing. Chanting cannot 'programme' qualities.

Theme: Qualities for Your Child

Honouring pregnancy as creation

I Am the Great Womb

मम योनिर्महद्ब्रह्म तस्मिन्गर्भं दधाम्यहम् ।सम्भवः सर्वभूतानां ततो भवति भारत ॥

mama yonir mahad brahma tasmin garbham dadhamy aham, sambhavah sarva-bhutanam tato bhavati bharata

Bhagavad Gita 14.3

Meaning

Great Nature is my womb. In it I place the seed. From this, all beings are born.

Why we suggest this

Krishna uses pregnancy itself as the picture of creation. It honours what your body is doing.

What you can expect

A sense of dignity and wonder about pregnancy, helpful on days of tiredness or body worries.

Best time
Morning, together as a couple
How to practise
Chant slowly 3 or 11 times
Who can chant
Mother and father together
Best weeks
Before conception – Week 8

Honest noteA blessing and an expression of hope. It is not a fertility treatment.

Theme: Hoping for a Baby & Early Weeks

A verse for fathers

The Seed-Giving Father

सर्वयोनिषु कौन्तेय मूर्तयः सम्भवन्ति याः ।तासां ब्रह्म महद्योनिरहं बीजप्रदः पिता ॥

sarva-yonishu kaunteya murtayah sambhavanti yah, tasam brahma mahad yonir aham bija-pradah pita

Bhagavad Gita 14.4

Meaning

For every form born from any womb, Nature is the mother and I am the father who gives the seed.

Why we suggest this

A lovely verse for fathers to read. It shows both parents as sacred partners.

What you can expect

It invites the father to take part from the very start.

Best time
Morning, together as a couple
How to practise
Chant slowly 3 or 11 times
Who can chant
Father (with mother)
Best weeks
Before conception – Week 8

Honest noteA blessing and an expression of hope. It is not a fertility treatment.

Theme: Hoping for a Baby & Early Weeks

Good digestion

I Am the Digestive Fire

अहं वैश्वानरो भूत्वा प्राणिनां देहमाश्रितः ।प्राणापानसमायुक्तः पचाम्यन्नं चतुर्विधम् ॥

aham vaishvanaro bhutva praninam deham ashritah, pranapana-samayuktah pachamy annam chatur-vidham

Bhagavad Gita 15.14

Meaning

I become the digestive fire in living bodies. Joined with the breath, I digest the four kinds of food.

Why we suggest this

Ayurveda places great weight on good digestion (agni) in pregnancy. Traditionally said before eating.

What you can expect

A pause before meals. For acidity or constipation, also follow your doctor's diet advice.

Best time
Before meals, or when taking supplements
How to practise
Once before each meal, or 11 times in the morning
Who can chant
Mother; whole family at meals
Best weeks
Any week

Honest noteA prayer of gratitude. It does not replace diet advice, iron and folic acid, or medicines.

Theme: Mother's Health & Nourishment

Good character

Divine Qualities – Part 1

अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः ।दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ॥

abhayam sattva-samshuddhir jnana-yoga-vyavasthitih, danam damash cha yajnash cha svadhyayas tapa arjavam

Bhagavad Gita 16.1

Meaning

Fearlessness, a pure heart, steady wisdom, generosity, self-control, worship, study, discipline and honesty.

Why we suggest this

Gita 16.1–3 is the Gita's own list of 'divine qualities'.

What you can expect

A clear set of values to reflect on as parents.

Best time
Morning
How to practise
3–11 times, then read the meaning aloud
Who can chant
Mother and father
Best weeks
Weeks 16–32

Honest noteA prayer of hope. A child's nature comes from genes, health, love and upbringing. Chanting cannot 'programme' qualities.

Theme: Qualities for Your Child

Kindness

Divine Qualities – Part 2

अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्यागः शान्तिरपैशुनम् ।दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम् ॥

ahimsa satyam akrodhas tyagah shantir apaishunam, daya bhuteshv aloluptvam mardavam hrir achapalam

Bhagavad Gita 16.2

Meaning

Non-violence, truth, freedom from anger, letting go, peace, no gossip, kindness to all beings, no greed, gentleness, modesty and steadiness.

Why we suggest this

Kindness and gentleness, the qualities parents most want.

What you can expect

A reminder to model these yourself, which is how children truly learn them.

Best time
Morning
How to practise
3–11 times, then read the meaning aloud
Who can chant
Mother and father
Best weeks
Weeks 16–32

Honest noteA prayer of hope. A child's nature comes from genes, health, love and upbringing. Chanting cannot 'programme' qualities.

Theme: Qualities for Your Child

Good character

Divine Qualities – Of One Born to the Divine

तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचमद्रोहो नातिमानिता ।भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत ॥

tejah kshama dhritih shaucham adroho natimanita, bhavanti sampadam daivim abhijatasya bharata

Bhagavad Gita 16.3

Meaning

Brightness, forgiveness, steadiness, cleanliness, no ill-will, no pride: these belong to one who is born with a divine nature.

Why we suggest this

The word 'abhijata', 'born', makes this the most birth-linked verse in the Gita's list of virtues.

What you can expect

A meaningful close to the three-verse series.

Best time
Morning
How to practise
3–11 times, then read the meaning aloud
Who can chant
Mother and father
Best weeks
Weeks 16–32

Honest noteA prayer of hope. A child's nature comes from genes, health, love and upbringing. Chanting cannot 'programme' qualities.

Theme: Qualities for Your Child

Faith with effort

Where Wisdom and Effort Meet

यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः ।तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम ॥

yatra yogeshvarah krishno yatra partho dhanur-dharah, tatra shrir vijayo bhutir dhruva nitir matir mama

Bhagavad Gita 18.78 (the last verse of the Gita)

Meaning

Where there is Krishna, Lord of yoga, and Arjuna, ready with his bow, there will be good fortune, victory, well-being and right action.

Why we suggest this

Faith and effort together: your prayers and your care team, side by side.

What you can expect

Confidence going into the final weeks.

Best time
Same time every day
How to practise
Choose 1–2 'birth verses' and repeat them daily until labour
Who can chant
Mother and birth partner
Best weeks
Weeks 28–37

Honest noteMay help you feel calmer. It cannot guarantee a normal delivery. Every safe birth, including a caesarean, is a good birth.

Theme: Preparing for Birth

Sources

We mention only what each study actually found. Most studies are small, and none of them replaces your doctor's advice. Read the disclaimer

  • Slow, rhythmic chanting and breathing

    What it found
    In 23 healthy adults, slow, rhythmic recitation of a prayer or a mantra slowed breathing to about six breaths a minute (from about 14 at rest). While they recited, the natural rise and fall of their heart rate became stronger and moved in step with the breath.
    What it doesn't show
    It did not include pregnant women, Sanskrit shlokas or babies, measured only short-term effects in a lab, and does not show any health benefit for pregnancy, labour or the baby. Six breaths a minute is what was measured, not a target to aim for.

    Bernardi et al. (2001). Effect of rosary prayer and yoga mantras on autonomic cardiovascular rhythms: comparative study. BMJ 323(7327):1446-1449.

    Read the summary on PubMedRead the full study (free)

  • When babies in the womb start to respond to sound

    What it found
    Babies in the womb were first seen to respond to a sound played on the mother's belly at about 19 weeks, and by 27 weeks almost all of them responded to low-pitched sounds.
    What it doesn't show
    It tested simple beeps (pure tones), not voices, music or chanting, so it does not show that a baby understands words or gains anything from hearing shlokas, stories or music.

    Hepper & Shahidullah (1994). Development of fetal hearing. Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition 71(2):F81-F87.

    Read the summary on PubMedRead the full study (free)

  • Learning sounds heard often before birth

    What it found
    Babies who heard a made-up word many times in the last three months of pregnancy showed stronger brain responses to its sounds after birth, so babies can learn and remember sounds they hear often late in pregnancy.
    What it doesn't show
    It shows memory for sounds, not understanding of meaning, and does not show any effect on intelligence, language skills or later development; the authors also caution that noise may harm the developing hearing system.

    Partanen et al. (2013). Learning-induced neural plasticity of speech processing before birth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 110(37):15145-15150.

    Read the summary on PubMedRead the full study (free)