The World Health Organization defines antenatal care as the care provided by skilled healthcare professionals to pregnant women and adolescent girls to ensure optimal health outcomes for both the mother and the developing fetus throughout pregnancy. Appropriate antenatal care plays a crucial role in safeguarding maternal health and promoting normal fetal growth and development, thereby influencing the health of future generations. Classical Unani literature contains detailed descriptions of the care of pregnant women, reflecting the comprehensive understanding of Unani physicians regarding the significance of maternal health during pregnancy. Unani scholars have elaborated on various aspects of antenatal care, including dietary recommendations, the importance of adequate rest and sleep, avoidance of excessive or strenuous physical activity, and maintenance of mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy. Furthermore, common pregnancy-related ailments such as constipation, backache, nausea, vomiting, and anaemia have been documented along with appropriate therapeutic measures for their management. Classical texts also describe certain drugs that are contraindicated during pregnancy. The present paper aims to highlight the classical Unani perspective on antenatal care and to explore the methods described in Unani literature, which may contribute to the development of standardized Unani antenatal care protocols and the formulation of Unani drugs and regimens for the effective care of pregnant women.
