Now that you’ve decided you’d like to become pregnant, the most important item for you to do is to eliminate sources of both, physiological and mental-emotional stress. We grow the healthiest baby in a low-toxin, high-nutrient, low-stress and inflammation, and high-balanced environment. Incorporate daily relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep belly breathing, or meditation. Relaxation practices help restore your body to a state of calm that will allow you to truly focus on your intention to create a healthy mind and body for pregnancy.
Detoxification
In general, whatever heavy metals exist in your system can concentrate across the placenta. We know that heavy metals such as lead and mercury are potent neurotoxins. There’s an association between heavy metal toxicity and autism. If you’re not pregnant yet, and do not plan to get pregnant for a few months, get tested and if necessary start heavy metal detoxification right away; it’s not healthy to address any toxicity issues overtly once pregnant. This process may take several months. It’s worth waiting for, as I’ve seen lots of heavy metal toxicity in my practice. I would consider undergoing a substantial cleanse or detoxification regimen prior to getting pregnant.
Supplements*
Pre-Natal Vitamins
Early neural development occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy that’s why taking prenatal vitamins, rich in “folate” and not “folic acid”, is beneficial several months prior to conception. Thorne Basic Pre-Natal is a high quality brand I recommend.
Omegas
Start a high-DHA Omega-3 and GLA Omega-6 essential fatty acid supplement (e.g. evening primrose oil) DHA is important for healthy neural development.
Metagenics has a pre-natal supplement kit that contains a convenient packet of both a multi vitamin and omega-3.
Vitamin D
Take Vitamin D if deficient to help minimize child autoimmune or allergic disease. Most people are low, so be sure to check your levels and be in the upper half of the reference range (about 50-60)
Iodine
Get repleted with iodine so levels can be sustained with food vs. supplement during pregnancy. If your Free T4 (thyroid hormone is in the lower half of the reference range, it might be because of low iodine.)
Probiotics
Take a full-spectrum probiotic. UF Spectrum is a great choice. This helps build your immunity, as well as your baby’s.
Yeast Infections
Women are more prone to yeast infections during pregnancy because of the hormonal shifts. Safe treatments are limited, so probiotics supporting healthy intestinal and mucosal flora can be preventive. I usually recommend a probiotic called UF Vaginal Formula to help keep yeast at bay.
Food Sensitivities
Honor food sensitivities in order to minimize immune system activation during pregnancy. Immune reactions to gluten, for instance and other foods may create inflammation in you. If this happens, it will pass through to the baby, and may even create similar immune reactions later on in your child’s life.
Avoid gluten and dairy as much as possible during pregnancy because of the inflammatory nature of these foods especially because of the high incidence of these food sensitivities seen in young children.
Sleep
Addressing any known sleep issues either behaviorally and/or biochemically is essential. Prioritize the quality and quantity of your sleep.
Digestion
Any imbalance in the gut should be addressed now. I have worked with several clients who found out they had intestinal yeast and/or microbial overgrowth AFTER they became pregnant and suffered significantly because of an inability to use much needed anti-fungals while pregnant. Not only were their symptoms uncomfortable, but the cravings for sweets made it too difficult to keep healthy eating manageable.
Eating Regiment
- Practice trading carbohydrates, especially flour, for whole grains (not whole grain flour, but the actual in-tact grain itself) and healthy fats. Natural animal fats like free-range whole eggs and grass-fed meats, grass-fed butter and ghee, and plant fats like unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil, a variety of nuts and seeds are all high-nutrient-density, baby-building foods.
- Foster a love of vegetables.
- Eliminate all processed foods.
- Eliminate sugars and caffeine.
- Choose nutrient dense, organic foods.
- Eat fish with low levels of mercury.
- Check out our HBH recipes.
- Check out even more recipes on our Pinterest Board.
Natural Products
Use a fluoride-free toothpaste (e.g. Dr. Bronner’s or Tom’s of Maine ).
Cross-reference your household and hygiene products for safety.
These are guidelines that have helped our expecting mom’s and especially women planning pregnancy, feel strong and healthy. If you’d like customized guidance and support, or have any questions, you can reach us through our website contact form to schedule a free 15 min chat. This link will direct you to the scheduler.
*Ordering Supplements
You can go to our dispensary on Fullscript.com to purchase these products where you’ll receive 10% discount on anything you buy plus free shipping.
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Shanti Pappas, Certified Functional Medicine Coach at HappyBellyHealth.com, helps busy professionals get rid of digestive discomfort and stubborn weight. Check out our 50+, 5 star reviews here.
