Bellies, boobs & babes! A naturopathic pregnancy guide
by Rebecca Word ND
The following condensed guide is Part 1 of a talk given this year at the Annual Open House for CREWC. Click here for Part 2.
Thinking About Babies: the Preconception / Prenatal Phase
Cleanse your body of toxins before pregnancy:
Note: the timing of cleansing practices depends on the woman — from 3 months to 1 year before you try to get pregnant.
- Daily diet should emphasize the addition of whole foods and the elimination of processed or refined foods, sugar, chemicals
- Infra-red saunas assist with detoxification
- Liver cleansing promotes hormonal balance, and reduces your prenatal toxin load
A bit more about your diet:
- In addition to a focus on whole foods rather than refined and processed foods, you should avoid alcohol (dad also, since excess can affect sperm viability), caffeine and artificial sweeteners
- Be aware of your glycemic index: there is a correlation between insulin resistance, high blood sugars and fertility issues
- Hydration: Plenty of water promotes detoxification
- Healthy oils such as evening primrose, flax, pure fish oils, and hemp
- Ideal body weight: being either underweight or overweight can throw off hormone balance
Your emotional health is an important factor:
- Babies feel what mom feels. Emotions are accompanied by chemical/hormonal shifts in your body that can cross the placental boundary
- Strong bond between parents and with the developing life equals a healthier baby. Loving your baby begins before birth
- Stress absolutely affects fertility (both mom and dad). A stress relieving practice such as meditation, yoga or daily walking can help you get pregnant and should be continued throughout
- Why do we desire babies in the first place? Be aware that you are bringing a human into the world not just a baby. It’s a long-term commitment where the early days can be the most important
Supplements to consider in your daily diet:
Note: natural supplements do not automatically ensure a compatibility with pregnancy, so when in doubt, check it out with your practitioner.
- Folic acid: minimum 400 mcg/day
- Prenatal vitamin: (B-carotene, iron)
- B-complex: 50/100 mg/day
- Vitamin C: 80-100 mg/day
- Zinc: up to 20 mg/day since folate depletes zinc (best zinc supplements will have small amount of copper also)
- Omega 3 oils (1 tsp/day)
- Adrenal support (such as Ribes nigrum, homeopathic glandulars or glandular extracts — this is where practitioner guidance becomes necessary)
Herbs to consider:
A note of caution: practioner advice and care is necessary when using herbs, ex: chamomile seems so innocuous but is considered unsafe during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Vitex (Chastetree): decreases PMS, helps balance hormones
- Black cohosh: estrogenic, not considered safe after conception
- Traditional Chinese Medicine approach: dong quai, ligusticum, rehmania, white peony
What about the role of your partner?
- Emotional health is as important for dad as mum
- Work to lessen daily stress (particularly since pregnancy can cause stress to both people)
- Connectedness and communication between partners is so very necessary
- A healthy diet is not just for the mother
- Exercise is important to health as well as stress relief
Supplements for your partner to consider:
- Zinc: 100mg/d (again with proper amount copper)
- Calcium/Magnesium: 800/400 mg/d
- Adrenal support: Maca, a Peruvian herb referred to as “Peruvian ginseng” is good one
- Vitamin C: 1500 mg/d in divided doses with meals
- Vitamin E: 800 iu/d in divided doses with meals
- B-carotene: 10,000 iu/day in divided dose with meals
- B-100 complex: one daily with meal
- Vitamin D: 400 iu/day with meal
- Fish oil (or Omega 3): 1 tsp/day with meal
General environmental considerations:
Note: Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.org, is a helpful website for this type of information.
- Try to avoid pollutants, chemicals, solvents, etc.
- Avoid electromagnetic pollution (excessive television, cell phones, power lines, etc.)
- Find out about organic vs. non-organic foods and products