GarbhShiksha

हिंदी में पढ़ें 

14 shlokas · Weeks 4–13

Shlokas and mantras for the first trimester

The first trimester can be the hardest stretch: nausea, tiredness, mood swings and quiet worry, often before anyone else knows. The verses on this page are short and familiar, chosen for weeks 4 to 13. There are morning prayers to say before you get out of bed, a Gita verse that reminds you discomfort comes and goes, the Durga verse families turn to when they feel afraid, and simple chants like Om and Om Gam Ganapataye Namah.

You don't need long sessions. Pick one verse and chant it 3 to 11 times. Five minutes is enough. Slow, rhythmic chanting can slow your breathing, and many people find that calming. Go at a pace that feels comfortable, and stop if you feel breathless or dizzy. On days when you feel too tired or sick, just reading the meaning is enough, or ask someone at home to read it aloud to you.

These verses may help you feel a little steadier. They do not treat nausea. If you are vomiting so much that you can't keep food or water down, or anything worries you, call your doctor. Read our disclaimer

How to practise these verses

For every verse below, unless it says otherwise.

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.

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.

See also: Bhagavad Gita verses for pregnancy

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.

See also: Bhagavad Gita verses for pregnancy

Easing fear and anxiety

Protect Us from All Fears

सर्वस्वरूपे सर्वेशे सर्वशक्तिसमन्विते ।भयेभ्यस्त्राहि नो देवि दुर्गे देवि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥

sarva-svarupe sarveshe sarva-shakti-samanvite, bhayebhyas trahi no devi durge devi namo 'stu te

Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati) 11.24

Meaning

O Goddess, present in all forms, ruler of all, full of every power: save us from fears. O Durga, we bow to you.

Why we suggest this

The first scan, test results and past losses can bring strong fear. This is the classic fear-removing Devi verse.

What you can expect

A steadying feeling when anxious. If anxiety is constant, please speak to your doctor.

See also: Durga Saptashati in pregnancy

A smooth new beginning

Vakratunda Mahakaya

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटिसमप्रभ ।निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥

vakratunda mahakaya suryakoti-samaprabha, nirvighnam kuru me deva sarva-karyeshu sarvada

Traditional Ganesha verse (exact textual source uncertain)

Meaning

O Ganesha, with curved trunk and huge body, bright as a crore suns: remove obstacles from all my tasks, always.

Why we suggest this

Indian families begin every new chapter with Ganesha. Starting your Garbh Sanskar journey with him feels natural.

What you can expect

A familiar, easy start. Most mothers already know it.

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.

See also: Bhagavad Gita verses for pregnancy

Quick 2-minute calm

Lead Me from Darkness to Light

असतो मा सद्गमय ।तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ॥

asato ma sad gamaya, tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, mrityor ma amritam gamaya

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.3.28

Meaning

Lead me from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.

Why we suggest this

Short, slow and easy to chant even when you feel sick.

What you can expect

Said slowly, it can slow your breath; many people use it as a 2-minute calm-down.

Simplest calming chant

Om, the First Sound

ओमित्येतदक्षरमिदं सर्वम् ।

om ity etad aksharam idam sarvam

Mandukya Upanishad 1

Meaning

Om is this whole world.

Why we suggest this

Om is the simplest chant. A long, soft 'Ommm' lengthens the out-breath, and many people find a long out-breath relaxing.

What you can expect

Many people feel calmer within a few rounds. Chant softly, never strain to make it long, and breathe in whenever you need.

How to practise
Chant a soft 'Om' 7–11 times; breathe naturally between rounds

See also: Om chanting in pregnancy

Strength when unwell

Banish Disease, Remove All Pain

नासै रोग हरै सब पीरा ।जपत निरंतर हनुमत बीरा ॥

nasai roga harai saba pira, japata nirantara hanumata bira

Hanuman Chalisa (Tulsidas), chaupai 25 · Awadhi

Meaning

Disease is destroyed and all pain removed for one who keeps chanting the name of brave Hanuman.

Why we suggest this

The Hanuman Chalisa is the most-recited prayer in many Indian homes, and grandmothers often suggest it in pregnancy.

What you can expect

Comfort and courage. It is a prayer for strength, not a medicine; keep taking your prescribed care.

See also: Hanuman Chalisa in pregnancy

Inner strength on tired days

Give Me Strength, Wisdom and Knowledge

बुद्धिहीन तनु जानिके सुमिरौं पवन-कुमार ।बल बुधि बिद्या देहु मोहिं हरहु कलेस बिकार ॥

buddhihina tanu janike sumirau pavana-kumara, bala budhi bidya dehu mohi harahu kalesa bikara

Hanuman Chalisa, opening doha 2 · Awadhi

Meaning

Knowing myself weak in understanding, I remember Hanuman. Give me strength, wisdom and knowledge, and remove my troubles.

Why we suggest this

In tired early weeks, it is a humble prayer for inner strength.

What you can expect

A lift in mood and a sense of support.

See also: Hanuman Chalisa in pregnancy

Mindful start to the day

Morning Greeting to Mother Earth

समुद्रवसने देवि पर्वतस्तनमण्डले ।विष्णुपत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं पादस्पर्शं क्षमस्व मे ॥

samudra-vasane devi parvata-stana-mandale, vishnu-patni namas tubhyam pada-sparsham kshamasva me

Traditional morning prayer

Meaning

O Goddess Earth, dressed in oceans, adorned with mountains, wife of Vishnu: I bow to you. Forgive me for touching you with my feet.

Why we suggest this

Earth is pictured as a nursing mother. It links to the Vedic idea of Earth holding the baby (see “As Earth Holds All Beings, May Your Baby Be Held”).

What you can expect

A gentle, mindful first step out of bed. Stand up slowly; early pregnancy can bring dizziness.

Best time
On waking, before stepping out of bed

Positive start to the day

Looking at Your Hands on Waking

कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती ।करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥

karagre vasate lakshmih kara-madhye sarasvati, kara-mule tu govindah prabhate kara-darshanam

Traditional morning prayer

Meaning

Lakshmi lives at the fingertips, Sarasvati in the palm, Govinda at the wrist. So look at your hands in the morning.

Why we suggest this

A 10-second positive start to the day, and easy on nausea mornings.

What you can expect

A small daily ritual that builds a routine.

Best time
On waking

Contentment

The Goddess as Contentment

या देवी सर्वभूतेषु तुष्टिरूपेण संस्थिता ।नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥

ya devi sarva-bhuteshu tushti-rupena samsthita, namas tasyai namas tasyai namas tasyai namo namah

Devi Mahatmya, chapter 5

Meaning

To the Goddess who lives in all beings as contentment: I bow to her again and again.

Why we suggest this

Early pregnancy can bring restlessness and comparison. This line invites contentment with today.

What you can expect

A settled, grateful feeling.

See also: Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu: 11 lines for pregnancy

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.

See also: Bhagavad Gita verses for pregnancy

Short daily japa

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥

om gam ganapataye namah

Ganapati Atharvashirsha tradition

Meaning

Salutations to Ganesha, the leader of all. 'Gam' is his seed sound.

Why we suggest this

Very short and easy to repeat on a mala, even on low-energy days.

What you can expect

A calm, rhythmic practice that takes only a few minutes.

How to practise
108 times on a mala, or 11 times

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)