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Background: Depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after childbirth are common and affect both mothers and children. In India, about one in five mothers experiences postpartum depression. Ayurveda prescribes detailed regimens for pregnancy (Garbhini Paricharya) and the postnatal period (Sutika Paricharya), which include attention to the mother’s mental state, diet, rest, massage and social support. Objective: To describe the mental health components of Garbhini and Sutika Paricharya, compare them with modern understanding of perinatal mental health, and evaluate evidence relevant to their role in preventing postpartum depression. Methods: Narrative review of classical Ayurvedic texts and of epidemiological studies, systematic reviews and trials on perinatal depression, psychosocial prevention, massage, yoga and traditional postpartum practices. Results: Classical texts emphasise that the pregnant woman should be kept happy, free from fear, grief and anger, and surrounded by pleasant company, because her mental state affects the foetus. The postnatal regimen prescribes rest, warmth, massage, nourishing diet and protection for about six weeks. Modern evidence shows that psychosocial support and psychological interventions can prevent postpartum depression, that pregnancy massage and prenatal yoga reduce depressive symptoms in some trials, and that traditional confinement practices do not consistently protect against depression and can sometimes be a source of stress. No controlled study has tested Garbhini or Sutika Paricharya as a whole for prevention of perinatal depression. Conclusion: Ayurvedic perinatal regimens contain elements consistent with evidence-based prevention, particularly social support, rest, massage and attention to mood. They should be combined with routine screening and referral, and evaluated in well-designed trials.

Keywords: Garbhini Paricharya; Sutika Paricharya; postpartum depression; perinatal mental health; pregnancy; Ayurveda; Abhyanga; yoga