Monday, October 28, 2013

Top 8 Supplements for Pregnancy- My Picks

The majority of women who choose to birth at home have a healthy and varied diet. If they do not feel the need to take any supplements I support them in this choice and I require none in my practice. For thousands of years women have grown healthy babies. Many others wonder what else they can or should take to help them have a healthy baby, to feel well during the pregnancy, have enough energy for birth, and to recover quickly post partum. Below you will will find the eight most common supplements I recommend to my clients.

1. Whole Food Prenatal
The two brands that I recommend are Rainbow Light Prenatal and New Chapter Perfect Prenatal.

As a general rule I recommend Rainbow Light because it is just one pill per day. I know when I was pregnant I struggled to even remember to take one pill a day never mind three. Rainbow Light does however contain Red Raspberry Leaf which some women are sensitive to so keep that in mind. New Chapter is also wonderful and easy on the stomach. It needs to be taken 3 times per day but contains no Red Raspberry Leaf.

2. Vitamin D
There are many symptoms associated to low vitamin D levels that are often attributed to pregnancy. 
These are common issues from low vitamin D levels:
  • Fatigue
  • General muscle pain and weakness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Chronic pain
  • Weight gain
  • High blood pressure
  • Restless sleep
  • Poor concentration
  • Headaches
  • Bladder problems
  • Constipation or diarrhea
 Sunscreen, lack of foods high in vitamin D and lack of time spent outside contribute to our issues with not making enough vitamin D. Egg yolk, many types of oily fish and cod liver oil are good natural sources of vitamin D. Low vitamin D has also recently been linked in pregnancy to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and low birth rate.

3. Omega-3- fatty acids
These good fats are very depleted from the mother during pregnancy because they are used in fetal eye and brain development. Depletion in the mom often leaves her feeling low on energy, depressed and nutrient starved.

4. Probiotic

Probiotics are live microorganisms, good bacteria, and by the millions they live naturally in the intestines. They are introduced to our bodies during birth and with out the we would be prone to infection, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and a weakened immune system. When the gut has enough good bacteria is prevents bad bacteria and helps protect us from infections. Studies show that mothers who increase their probiotic intake during pregnancy reduce their child's risk of allergies  They also loose their baby weight faster and have fewer yeast and thrush infections.


5. Chew-able Papaya Enzymes
Heartburn and indigestion is a common ailment during pregnancy. A raw enzyme in papaya can help. The Papain enzyme may assist in breaking down food in the stomach which may reduce heartburn, acid reflux and other gastrointestinal conditions.

6. Floridix
Anemia is common in pregnancy. Floradix contains an herbal based iron supplament which is easily absorbed and less likely to cause constimation that synthetic iron. Having a low hemoglobin count can leave you feeling tired and lethargic during pregnancy and can affect how you feel after loosing blood during your birth.

7. Chlorophyll
Consuming liquid chlorophyll during pregnancy, labor and postpartum can affect your energy levels, milk supply, safe detoxification, constipation and much more. Let's face it who doesn't need more greens in their diet. The mint flavor tastes great.


8. Red Raspberry Tea
Red raspberry leaf helps to tone and contract the uterus. Strengthening the uterine muscle to prepare for childbirth. It has a mild taste.

All of these supplements are included in my all inclusive midwifery package. Contact me to find out more about this option.