FOOD


Ginger The ginger root is often the main ingredient in morning sickness formulae produced by major supplements companies. Have it fresh, or in a tea, or in the convenience of a supplement.


Chamomile (German, NOT Roman) Highly soothing and relaxing. Pregnancy is often a time of disturbed sleep, whether from vivid dreams, concerns, or discomforts of your growing tummy making it hard to find just the right position.


Cranberry A natural source proanthocyanidins which may prevent pregnancy-associated UTI, hypertension, varicose veins and generally support healthy cardiovascular function.


Fish oil /Omega 3 “Women whose dietary intake of Omega-3 fatty acids is low, for example those who eat very little seafood, should consider a dietary supplementation which may be obtained from fish oil and some commercially available pregnancy supplements.” (RANZCOG Nov 2014)


Zinc Important for helping regulate gene expression. It can be particularly important in supporting the rapid cell growth that occurs during pregnancy. Avoid zinc oxides as they tend to not absorb so well. I’ve found zinc chelate and zinc gluconate to be effective. If buying gluconate, make sure it is in a lozenge, chew-tablet form or powder form, and keep it in your mouth for at least two to five minutes to allow fast absorption through your mouth’s mucous membranes.


Vitamin C Important for the formation of collagen, which is especially important in blood vessels. The need for vitamin C may be increased in pregnancy due to larger blood volume in the mother and the growth of the unborn baby. There are different kinds of vitamin C supplements, some more readily absorbable than others, and some non-acidic.


30 MAY 2015


metabolic conditions such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes.” The UC Davis MIND Institute study found that mothers of children with autism “are significantly less likely to report taking iron supplements before and during their pregnancies than the mothers of children who are developing normally”. RANZCOG states: “Routine iron


supplementation is not recommended in every pregnancy. All women should have their haemoglobin level checked at the first antenatal visit and again at approximately 28 weeks’ gestation and any anaemia investigated and treated.”


Handy hint: Some iron supplements have been known to cause constipation. Not pleasant at any time, but especially not during pregnancy. Some very high quality liquid iron supplements are available, and I am told there’s even readily-absorbable colloidal iron.


To test or not Unfortunately I cannot help you with


information on prenatal screenings, tests, or info on vaccinations, or pharmaceutical medicine. A commentary on this is not the focus here, nor is it my place to discuss it with you, even as a consumer. I do, however, advise you to educate


yourself regarding the modern epidemics of allergies, asthma, ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, obesity and diabetes, and consider how our health care system seeks to prevent, diagnose and treat these. A handy hint before subjecting yourself


Iron Pregnancy can tax a mother-to-be’s iron stores. It is beneficial to have an appropriate intake of iron to help build and maintain healthy iron levels. Low iron stores in early pregnancy have been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. An American study states: “Low iron


intake was associated with a five-fold greater risk of autism in the child if the mother was 35 or older at the time of the child’s birth or if she suffered from


and/or your kids to any diagnosis or treatment is to always do your own research and ask yourself who pays for what research and whether there is any agenda or vested interest in certain outcomes.


Miscarriages They do happen. They’ve happened to


me and my partner. At the time they were extremely painful. Much later, we could see that either we weren’t ready emotionally, and/or the body was preparing for a successful pregnancy. Dong quai may be helpful in completing


the miscarriage and helps regulate your cycle, which is known to help prepare the body for pregnancy once more.


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