Pregnancy: A Sacred Ritual and the Deteriorating Trends of Modern Society

Pregnancy is not just a biological process but a divine experience and a sacred ritual in Indian culture. It is a phase where a woman is blessed with the power of creation, undergoing not just physical but also mental and spiritual transformations. In Indian traditions, pregnancy is considered an extremely pure and sensitive period, where the thoughts, emotions, and environment surrounding the mother are carefully nurtured to ensure a positive impact on the unborn child.

The concept of Garbh Sanskar (prenatal education and rituals) has been followed in India for centuries. It is not merely a religious custom but holds great scientific significance. Ayurveda and ancient Indian scriptures emphasize that a mother's diet, thoughts, and behavior during pregnancy directly influence the physical, mental, and emotional development of the unborn child. This is why pregnant women are encouraged to listen to soothing music, read sacred texts, practice positive thinking, and engage in constructive activities.

A classic example is from the Mahabharata, where Abhimanyu learned the strategy of breaking into the Chakravyuha while still in his mother Subhadra’s womb. This proves that the unborn child absorbs everything from the mother’s experiences, reinforcing the importance of a nurturing and positive pregnancy.

However, in today’s digital age, where social media has an overwhelming influence, these sacred traditions are being reduced to mere spectacles. Instead of embracing pregnancy with privacy and reverence, some women are turning it into a subject of public display. It is now common to see pregnant women documenting their entire journey through vlogs (video blogs), sharing even the most intimate moments, including their experiences inside the delivery room. This trend reflects not just the erosion of cultural values but also the commercialization of motherhood for the sake of gaining social media followers.

Social media platforms are now flooded with pregnancy announcements, gender reveal parties, baby showers, and labor room vlogs. While some may argue that these trends help spread awareness and encourage open conversations about motherhood, the reality is far more concerning. Pregnancy is an extremely personal and emotional journey, and making it a public spectacle raises questions about how deeply modern society values privacy and sanctity.

Is it truly necessary to share every detail of pregnancy online? What happened to the belief that this phase should be nurtured in peace, surrounded by love and care from family rather than the eyes of millions of strangers on social media?

During pregnancy, a woman is not only physically but also emotionally and mentally vulnerable. It is a time when she requires mental peace, emotional stability, and a positive atmosphere. However, when a pregnant woman is more focused on social media content creation—sharing every detail of her journey, from baby bump photoshoots to hospital room updates—it raises concerns about whether she is truly embracing the experience or merely using it for online validation.

There was a time when pregnancy was treated with utmost respect, and expectant mothers were provided with special care, nutritious food, and a spiritually uplifting environment. But today, this sacred experience is being transformed into a social media marketing strategy. From flaunting baby bumps to posting live hospital updates, pregnancy has become more about gaining likes, comments, and followers than about preparing for motherhood.

It would be unfair to say that all modern changes are negative. In many ways, society has progressed—women today are more independent, confident, and expressive than ever before. They have the freedom to share their experiences and connect with others. However, with freedom comes responsibility. Embracing modernity should not come at the cost of cultural and moral degradation.

Pregnancy is a deeply personal and transformative experience that should be cherished within the loving circle of family and close ones, rather than turned into a content-driven social media trend. It is important to maintain the dignity and sanctity of motherhood, ensuring that future generations see it as a sacred ritual rather than a viral trend.

Pregnancy is not just a phase; it is a divine journey filled with emotions, transformations, and responsibilities. A mother’s mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being plays a crucial role in shaping the future of her child. In such a sensitive period, the focus should be on nurturing the unborn child with love, wisdom, and positivity rather than on public validation through social media.

Indian traditions have always emphasized the importance of protecting and respecting expectant mothers. Turning this sacred experience into a tool for social media engagement reflects the deterioration of values and privacy in modern times.

It is high time we reflect on our choices. Not everything needs to be showcased; some experiences are meant to be cherished in the heart, not in the camera. Pregnancy is a sacred blessing and should be honored with the respect, dignity, and love it truly deserves.

©®Payal laxmi soni