Supplements to Consider for Pregnancy

Did you know a pregnant woman’s blood volume increases by 30-40%? Or that your joints loosen? Or that you produce more estrogen in a day than you do in a year when you aren’t pregnant?

There are numerous changes our body goes through when we conceive, and therefore, to have the healthiest pregnancies possible we need to further support ourselves to compensate for these adjustments.

Below are just some of the many nutraceuticals we should consider to provide an extra boost!

**Remember specific products and dosages are based on your own nutrient needs post bloodwork/testing, current symptoms, and pregnancy timeline. Assess with your Naturopathic Doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy.

Iron:

• Needs are increased during pregnancy as extra blood is created and delivered to the placenta to avoid iron deficiency anemia
• Supplementation is important for mother to maintain stores especially. In second trimester to avoid iron deficiency anemia
• A lack of iron can cause fatigue due to lack of oxygenation to your tissues
• The amount of women I have seen with scary low iron/ferritin levels later in pregnancy is alarming. If you are curious about your iron levels, let’s review! A further analysis of your levels can sometimes mean the difference between not being able to get off the couch, versus having pretty good energy to enjoy your little babe.

Probiotics:

• Supportive bacteria in the gut have been shown to reduce risk of pre-eclampsia by 20%, strep b infection, & preterm birth by 11%.

Omega 3:

•  Fatty acids are essential and must be consumed in the diet
• Most people (including myself) do not consume enough omega 3 fatty acids – especially fish, during pregnancy
• The most biologically active form – DHA and EPA are critical building blocks of the fetal brain and retina
• They also play a role in length of gestation and preventing perinatal depression

Prenatal:

• Be very picky when it comes to vitamin/mineral supplements as the quality, nutrient spectrum, dosage, active versus inactive nutrients, and non-medicinal ingredients range drastically. Ie: folic acid is the inactive form of B9 and is commonly found in drug store brands. The intake of L-5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate instead has been shown to be more advantageous. The main reason to incorporate a high quality b9 supplement is to prevent neural tube defects.
• But vitamin B9 is only one of a complex array of nutrients we need to support both healthy fetal life and a healthy mama. Make sure you have a full spectrum product and nutrients crucial for development are not missing!

Magnesium:

• Can be a helpful mineral for restless legs/leg cramping, muscle pain, & constipation that can increase during pregnancy.
• The soil is deficient in magnesium and therefore optimal levels are usually difficult to maintain with foods alone
• Studies have shown a decreased frequency of pregnancy complications in those who supplemented with magnesium

Vitamin D3:

• As with every health scenario… make sure you are not vitamin D deficient!
• Just one of the many functions of vitamin D is to help absorb calcium from food. When you are pregnant, it helps you maintain your bones while also helping the baby to develop healthy bones and a healthy body. It also. Supports a healthy immune system and helps control blood pressure.