Sometimes it’s hard to sort the truth from the B.S. Other times knowing who to trust and what to do seems downright impossible. It is the intention of this article to give
you very simple, easy and unbiased, consumer to consumer guidance.
Nutritional and/or herbal supplements Because each pregnancy is unique, the best way to use herbs or supplements is under the care of a doctor, herbalist, naturopathic or homeopathic doctor. In conjunction with these, my partner found that an experienced doula can also be very helpful.
BEFORE CONCEPTION
Folate (aka folic acid) A B vitamin that may be needed for healthy growth and development. The body needs more of it during pregnancy for normal growth of the unborn baby. Adequate folate intake may help to prevent birth defects in the baby, including ‘neural tube defects’ such as spina bifida. The Royal Australian and New
Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) states: “The recommended dose of folic acid is
at least 0.4mg daily to aid the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). Where there is a known increased risk of NTD or a risk of malabsorption, a 5mg daily dose is recommended.” They also state: “Folic acid should be
taken for a minimum of one month before conception.” (RANZCOG Nov 2014).
Iodine Present in fish, seafood and sea vegetables such as seaweeds. General iodine levels in a normal diet have dropped since intensive farming has commenced. “Women who are pregnant, breast feeding or considering pregnancy should take an iodine supplement of 150 micrograms each day.” (RANZCOG Nov 2014).
Handy hint: You can conduct a simple test for iodine deficiency, by dabbing some iodine (or even betadine) with a cotton ball on the inside of your arm at
night. As a general guide, leave a 10cm long x 1cm brown line. If it is gone by the morning it is likely you are deficient and should consider a supplement even if you are not pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) a.k.a. ‘Chinese Angelica’ and ‘Female Ginseng’ A herb that can help regulate your cycle, help boost fertility and help you to get pregnant without chemical or hormonal infertility treatment. There are positive side effects as
well as potentially negative ones. Note: Dong quai is NOT considered safe during pregnancy.
Olive leaf extract Brilliant in assisting you maintain general health, toxin elimination and adequate immune function. It is also an anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent. A must. Best taken in a high strength extract made from fresh leaves. Note: Olive leaf extract is NOT considered safe during pregnancy. Recommencing supplementation is
generally safe after breastfeeding has concluded. Note that due to the strong detoxifying
effect, it is always a good idea to allow for the possibility of not feeling well - there may even be mild ‘flu-like’ symptoms. This is considered normal, lasting a couple of days until the body has processed any toxins, or destroyed any microbes, and is usually followed by a surge of energy and a feeling of well-being.
DURING PREGNANCY
Folate (aka folic acid) Dosage as per pre-conception, as above.
Vitamin B12 Especially suggested for vegetarians and/ or vegans. “The RDI of B12 in pregnancy is 6 mcg/day.” (RANZCOG Nov 2014)
Red raspberry leaf A mineral- rich tonic, traditionally used to support pregnancy and to ‘tone’ the uterus to help a woman prepare for birth. Some studies have shown that it can help reduce complications and interventions associated with birth.
MAY 2015 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52