One important reference that we recommend to all of our pregnant and post-partum patients is the following book:
A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Post-Partum by Dean Raffelock, DC, Robert Rountree, MD and Virginia Hopkins. We find this to be a very useful reference and even though we don't agree with everything discussed in the book, a large majority of it is very sound advice. We want to mention that the book advocates consuming fish, which is theoretically a good idea but we actually wouldn't recommend eating ANY fish during pregnancy due the high amount of contaminants. Just take purified fish oils (see below) instead.
There are several very important supplements that we recommend you consult your health care provider about:
- EPA/DHA: These are fish oils that help to support healthy neural development in the fetus. Research shows that mothers who have taken fish oils during pregnancy have given birth to children with higher IQ's! Not only does this benefit the child, but it also benefits the mother by ensuring adequate stores of EPA/DHA to minimize the incidence of post-partum depression.
- It is of utmost importance that when you purchase fish oils that they are tested by an independent FDA approved laboratory of heavy metals and other pollutants that tend to settle into our oceans and lakes.
- Talk to your health care provider about an appropriate dosage for your specific needs.
- Must be refrigerated after opening.
- Antioxidants: To prevent lipid peroxidation (rancidity of oils) while taking fish oils, it is best to take a good fat-soluble antioxidant like vitamin E in the form of mixed natural tocopherols.
- Be sure that your vitamin E has been purified of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), often a by-product of the manufacturing process. PAH's are very powerful cancer-causing agents.
- Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria are very helpful during pregnancy not only to boost the mother's immune system (so you can avoid getting sick and taking antibiotics during pregnancy), but also to improve the child's immunity. Research has found that probiotics taken during pregnancy reduces the incidence of allergies and eczema in children.
- Be warned that not all probiotics on the market are alike. Some are not as effective as others and do not meet the claims listed on the package.
- All must be refrigerated.
- Activated folic acid: This is a special form of folic acid that has been premetabolized for optimal bioavailability. Approximately 1/3 of the population has a genetic defect in the metabolism of folic acid, so this form of folic acid ensures that you're getting what you need. Look for the following:
- L-5 methyl tetrahydrofolate
- 5-formyl tetrahydrofolate
