Pregnancy Supplements

Pregnancy Supplements

Let’s chat pregnancy supplements! Pregnancy is such an exciting time but it can get overwhelming and many mums often wonder if they are getting adequate nutrients in their diet to support themselves and the developing baby. Whilst it is always important to eat a healthy well balanced diet and give up the junk foods and sugars, supplements can also help fill in any gaps you may have in your diet.

Here are the supplements I recommend for a healthy pregnancy:

Preconception / Trimester One and Trimester Two and Three Supplement.

Starting with a preconception multi at least 3 months prior to trying for a baby can help ensure your body has adequate levels of the all important folate. Folate has been well studied for reducing the risk of spinal cord defects as well as supporting a healthy pregnancy. I use Naturobest for my clients are they have a great preconception, first trimester and 2nd & 3rd trimester multi-vitamin. As your pregnancy progresses the requirements for different nutrients changes, with the greatest demand occurring in the last trimester.

Naturobest Multi’s has been developed by a naturopath with these demands in mind.

Folate sources: Oranges, strawberries, green leafy vegetables, spinach, beets, avocado, peas, pasta, beans, nuts.

Calcium

Calcium is important for the development of healthy teeth and bones. When pregnant a women requirements double! It can be difficult to meet these requirements through diet alone so supplementation is a good idea.

Food sources: : Dairy products, dark green vegetables, almonds, black strap molasses, tahini, chia seeds, tofu, and seaweeds.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D supports the immune system as well as bone health alongside calcium, and it can also help reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia. Many recent studies have shown adequate levels of vitamin d can help fight against COVID also.

Sources: Sun exposure, egg yolk, salmon, tuna.

Magnesium

Magnesium plays an important role in healthy nerve and muscle function, as well as playing a role in the development of bones and teeth. It also helps maintain normal blood pressure in the mother and can relieve muscle aches and pain.

Food Sources: Pumpkin Seeds, chia seeds, leafy greens, brown rice, avocado.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and helping wounds heal properly. Getting enough Vitamin during your pregnancy can help prepare for labour and recovery.

DHA

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 essential fatty acid, is important for the developing brain, eyes, and heart of a developing baby. Deficiency in omega-3’s has also been found to play a role in postpartum depression.

Food sources: Salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

Iron

Iron is needed to support healthy haemoglobin production which is in higher demand during pregnancy. Low iron intake can increase the risk of anaemia and iron deficiency during pregnancy can leave the mother feeling exhausted and lead to low birth weight babies. Many women cannot tolerate eating meat during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester so supplements can help make sure you meet your daily requirements.

Food Sources: Beef, pork, dried beans, spinach, dried fruits, wheat germ, iron-fortified oatmeal or grains.

Probiotics

Probiotics help support the beneficial bacteria in our gut and have been shown to reduce the paediatric instances of colic, reflux, eczema, and allergies. Taking a probiotic will help your babies microbiome thrive as well as helping the mother avoid constipation, yeast infections, and Group Strep B.