Will supplements help with pregnancy?

Given the low quality nutrient status of typical diets, wisely chosen supplements can play a healthy role in pregnancy and childbirth. It is key to remember though, that nothing replaces healthy foods, plenty of water and good quality healthcare.

For most of my pregnant moms, I recommend a high quality pre-natal with adequate folic acid, calcium and vitamin D levels. I am cautious of many store-bought brands and even doctor prescribed versions, for many contain artificial colors, preservatives, dyes, and unnecessary and even toxic binders and fillers. For many moms, it is helpful to start with a liquid prenatal in first trimester, due to normal levels of nausea, which may make a liquid version more palatable.

Fish oil is a key supplement for the growing newborn nervous system. A high quality, mercury and toxin-free oil is key. 

Depending on a woman's nutrient status, I may recommend extra vitamin D, iron, folic acid, and calcium, but this is on a case-by-case basis of need. Occasionally, women with high amounts of cramping or musculoskeletal complaints may need increased levels of magnesium, which can help prevent pre-eclampsia, a problem of high blood pressure and kidney problems during pregnancy.

At times, I will also recommend probiotics to help establish good digestive function in the mother, and new born. These are quite safe to use in pregnancy when a high quality pure probiotic is used.

If a woman gets a cold, Echinacea and vitamin C in low dose is safe to use, and certain bioflavonoids have also been studied for effectiveness and safety in hemorrhoids during pregnancy. 

In general, it is best for a pregnant woman not to take more supplements than needed - and all of these should be looked at by a naturopathic doctor or other qualified health care practitioner who is educated in the use of vitamins/herbs/supplements during pregnancy.

A whole food, nutrient-rich and high-quality diet is a key factor to health. However, it is often not enough. This is due to the increase in environmental exposures, our nutrient-depleted soil, and fast-based, stressful lives. This makes individualized supplementation necessary, especially during pregnancy, a time of increased nutrient demand on mom. The health of a mom has consequences for her baby not just during development, but later in life.

In fact, several studies have demonstrated the importance of healthy fats in baby's development to full term delivery, brain development, and healthy body weight later in life. Therefore, a high quality fish supplement with good amounts of the omega-3-fatty acid DHA is usually recommended.

Folic acid is a popular nutrient in pregnancy for good reason. It has been shown to help decrease the risk of spina bifida, assist with nervous system formation, and some studies show a link to its use within pregnancy to decreased rate in autism.

A healthy gut in mom can set baby up for a healthy immune system and better absorption of nutrients for both! Probiotics can assist with the microflora in the gut to aid these positive benefits and decrease risk of allergies and immune issues later in baby’s life.

Thyroid health and balanced blood sugar is critical during pregnancy. Nutrients such as iron, selenium, and minerals can assist with balancing both.

Magnesium is a key mineral for hormonal health as well as a good nutrient to assist with muscle cramps or constipation during pregnancy. It can also assist with blood pressure elevation that is common in expecting moms who have an increase in blood cells naturally from another life in her belly. :)

Other important nutrients to consider are Vitamin D, a full spectrum multi-vitamin, calcium, and B-vitamins. In fact, a recent study showed all these to be beneficial in pregnancy outcomes.

Another nutrient hot and new on the scene is a specific B vitamin, choline. It  was just highlighted in a study that demonstrated its potential to assist with healthy brain function and as a possible preventative measure in schizophrenia.