Pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

This is such a joyous and special time for you and your family!

Similar to preconception, we understand pregnancy requires specific dietary, nutritional and lifestyle guidelines which we will support and guide you through.

We feel your mineral, nutrient and vitamin levels; dietary intake and lifestyle during pregnancy has the ability to benefit or affect your growing baby, and it is of the utmost importance for us to ensure optimum nutrition during this critical time of development to give your baby the best start in life!

We are highly experienced in testing and supporting many vital nutrients during pregnancy; including zinc, iron, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, chromium, copper, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin A, magnesium, manganese, protein adequacy and more.

 

Pregnancy Nutrients

A quality pregnancy multivitamin and mineral formula which includes not only folate but also the correct levels of iodine, zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium and activated B vitamins is essential to provide mother and baby with all the nutrients that they both require for healthy development.

Another important nutritional component is omega 3 fatty acids, particularly Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is one of the major building structures of the brain and central nervous system, and directly assists the development of the brain and nervous system in your baby. Continuing mum’s DHA omega 3 supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to support neurological, visual, and immune development, and decrease allergy in children.

Iron

During pregnancy a woman’s daily requirement for iron increases as iron plays a major role in forming haemoglobin which carries oxygen around the body and to the placenta, and enables both mother and baby to form new red blood cells. Even when a woman’s iron and ferritin levels are ideal prior to pregnancy, they can still quickly diminish during pregnancy and leave poor mum feeling fatigued, pale and low.

We regularly monitor iron and ferritin levels throughout pregnancy. If iron is required, we utilise an iron bisglycinate formula which is highly bioavailable to support iron and ferritin levels, and also much better tolerated than inorganic forms of iron, protecting against constipation and other digestive upsets.

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More About Pregnancy

There are many pregnancy-related concerns we support our patients with, including:

  • Iron testing, referral for an iron infusion when required
  • Nutrient and mineral testing
  • Stretch marks
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Mood or stress concerns
  • Fatigue
  • Heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Varicose veins
  • Fluid retention
  • Muscle cramps
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Gestational diabetes support
  • Thyroid hormones
  • Immune strength
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Preeclampsia
  • Risk of miscarriage
  • Preparation for labour

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is one of the most common discomforts experienced during pregnancy, affecting approximately eight out of ten women. There are specific dietary and lifestyle guidelines which may help minimise morning sickness. Some of these guidelines include commonsense suggestions such as eating small, regular meals to stabilise blood sugar levels, keeping balanced, healthy snacks with you at all times and drinking ginger tea. Thankfully there are also herbal and nutritional medicine options which may help alleviate morning sickness if required.

Probiotics to support the prevention of eczema and allergies

It has been understood through research certain strains of probiotics taken during pregnancy, particularly through the third trimester, may reduce the risk of common childhood conditions such as eczema and food allergies. Recent research has displayed an effective decrease in atopic skin conditions and food allergies in infants and children under specific care. Certain specific probiotics strains are understood to support your baby via Th1/Th2 immune balance, assisting digestive health and aiming to ensure your baby has their optimal start to life!

Preparation for labour

Exercise, stretching, Pilates and yoga are all understood to be helpful in preparing the body for birth. There are also a number of herbal and nutritional medicine approaches aimed to support the uterus, support productive muscle contractions during labour and improve labour outcomes.

Raspberry leaf is a herbal medicine traditionally prescribed by midwives for labour preparation. Modern research has concluded that taking raspberry leaf in correct forms and dosages during the third trimester may reduce the need for medical intervention at birth, such as caesarean section, and forceps delivery.

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is another traditional labour preparation option, containing gamma linoleic acid which may function as a precursor for prostaglandin synthesis. Evening primrose oil is believed to encourage cervical ripening in an effort to shorten labour.

We understand magnesium is a vital mineral for healthy muscular contractions such as labour, and we commonly provide specific connective tissue nutrients for your optimal childbirth journey and quickest recovery in such a special time.

We would love to be able to assist you and your partner with pregnancy care, contact us today for more information or to make an appointment.

Let us guide you to a happier, healthier you.