Let's talk prenatal supplementation!

Let's talk truth with Dr. Taryn!

Happiness is carrying a whole world inside you.
And that whole world is depending on you.

Let's Talk Prenatals!

Being pregnant is hard. The hormone fluctuation is hard. The weight gain is hard. Input from everyone and their brother is hard. The birth itself is hard. EVERYTHING related to being pregnant and raising a child is hard. That’s just the truth. The absolute last thing that should be hard is wondering what extra nutrients provide benefit and where to get those said nutrients from.

Well, I’m here to cover what I recommend and to tell you why. Read that again. I’m not just going to tell you to take this and eat that- I’m going to explain the importance. Because at the end of the day, you should and need to question everything when it comes to your child’s health and well-being. You have a right to know the answers to your ‘why’ questions.

I’m also not here to lecture your health choices while pregnant, but to simply inform. A few simple, superior choices bring increased benefit to mom and baby.

There is a ridiculous amount of prenatal options at the store. However, not all supplements are created equal! Please read our supplement blog to learn about this: https://www.stittleburgrhc.com/lifestyle-blog/lets-talk-supplements
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​As an expecting mother, where do you even begin?!

Let’s talk about a couple essential vitamins and minerals needed throughout pregnancy:

• Iron- Low iron levels in pregnancy have been associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and anemia.
  • Red meats, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, and spinach.
• Zinc- Helps maintain structural integrity of proteins and helps regulate gene expression.
  • Lean meat, wholegrain cereals, milk, seafood, legumes and nuts.
• Vitamin D- Promotes strong teeth and bones.
  • SUNSHINE, milk, oily fish, and taramasalata.
• Vitamin C- Promotes formation of collagen, antioxidant properties that protects tissues from damage.
  • Bell peppers, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
• Calcium- Vital for making your baby’s bones and teeth.
  • Dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, fish with edible bones, and almonds.
• Iodine- Essential to the production of thyroid hormone.
  • Fish, seaweed, shrimp, and other seafood.
• EPA/DHA- Fetal development, heart health, mood, and overall health support.
  • Fish, seaweed, algae, and grass-fed beef.
• Magnesium- Muscle relaxation.
  • Avocado, nuts, legumes, and seeds.

Now, I only covered 8 essential vitamins and minerals, and purposely left out folate/folic acid because this requires its own section.

Folate and folic acid ARE NOT the same thing.

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 in food.
Folic acid is a synthetic form.
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FOLATE is what you need and want during pregnancy, NOT folic acid.
Folate is involved in DNA production and cell division; it is critical to the development of the nervous system and prevention of neural tube defects.

What else do I recommend? A PROBIOTIC! New research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine suggests that a mother's microbiome during pregnancy plays a critical role in developing autism-spectrum disorders. "We determined that the microbiome is a key contributor in determining susceptibility [to autism-like disorders],” said lead researcher John Lukens, PhD, of UVA's Department of Neuroscience. "The microbiome can shape the developing brain in multiple ways," Lukens continued to explain. "The microbiome is really important to the calibration of how the offspring's immune system is going to respond to an infection or injury or stress." Your mind is only as healthy as your gut!

​If you are interested in our prenatal supplementation recommendation, all it will cost you is your time. At Stittleburg Restorative Health Care we do not charge inquisitive mothers for prenatal questions! You read that right; it is FREE to receive our prenatal supplementation recommendation. Our goal is to promote a happy, healthy pregnancy for both mom and baby! The best part, the supplements are delivered right to your door and the consultation can be done over the phone. The first step is yours.

Let's get back to health,
Dr. Taryn

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing and so is my friend, Stephanie!