A healthy pregnancy

Our team of expert nutritionists host consultations with women all over the world. We sat down with our Head of Nutrition, Lorna Driver-Davies, to discuss the most commonly-asked pregnancy related questions our Nutritionists get asked...

Q: I’m a vegetarian/vegan - which nutrients could my baby and I be missing out on? 

During pregnancy, it’s important for all women to take a fresh look at their diet: however, vegetarians and vegans need to be especially mindful to ensure they’re getting adequate amounts of Iron, Vitamin D, Iodine, Choline, Vitamin A, Zinc and Vitamin B12. We recommend our Food-Grown Pregnancy, which contains optimal levels of these vital nutrients. Vegan diets are especially low in Choline and Iodine, and Vitamin B12 must be supplemented. Vegans, vegetarians and women who know their body needs an active, ‘methylated’ (in other words, easily absorbed) form of B Vitamins, perhaps due to genetic issues, will also benefit from our Food-Grown Pregnancy, which contains active, methylated B Vitamins for efficient absorption.

Q: What can I do to reduce morning sickness?

Up to 90 per cent of women are thought to experience some degree of morning sickness during their pregnancy: a form of nausea or vomiting caused by fluctuating levels of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the bloodstream. However, morning sickness tends to affect women most in the first trimester, but for some this can continue into the second trimester. Ginger root is a wonderful traditional remedy because of its action on the gastrointestinal tract, as well on the signalling in the brain that controls vomiting reflexes - and starting the day with a freshly grated ginger in hot water with lemon may help. Morning sickness can be associated with Zinc deficiency and Vitamin B6 has been shown to be helpful since it supports hormone balance. You can top up your Zinc by taking our Food-Grown Pregnancy, as well as additional Food-Grown Zinc Plus and Food-Grown Vitamin B6.

Q: What’s better, Folate or Folic Acid?

Folic Acid is a member of the Folate family: it’s used to produce the important genetic material of the egg and the sperm in the three months prior to conception. Many women, however, are not able to absorb standard synthetic Folic Acid – which is why we use Food-Grown Folate. Think of it as a more “active” form of Folic Acid, which provides enhanced support, and which the body absorbs more easily than synthetically-generated forms. Folic Acid is only recommended for the first 12 weeks; however, our Food-Grown Pregnancy contains the required 400ug of Folate and is beneficial and safe to supplement throughout your entire pregnancy.

Q: What can I take when pregnant to optimise my immunity?

Taking probiotics during pregnancy can increase your immune strength, as well as that of your baby: we recommended our Multi Strain Biotic, which contains eight different strains of bacteria to support your natural gut flora. After all, 70 per cent of our immune system resides in the gut tissue, and the bacteria that resides there has a very powerful influence on your health and that of your developing baby. Our Food-Grown Immune Support and Food-Grown Vitamin C & Bioflavonoids may also support your natural resilience, while our Food-Grown Vitamin D offers protection in all seasons. (Our Food-Grown Pregnancy contains the officially recommended 10ug of Vitamin D; however, some women will need additional supplementation, especially in the darker months).

Q: I often feel dizzy and forgetful. How can I regain my focus?

Deficiency in DHA and EPA fatty acids can cause your body to extract DHA from its richest store – your brain – so that the baby’s supply continues. This can mean that your concentration is low and you feel forgetful or vague, particularly during the last trimester, hence the term “Baby Brain”. Omega-3 supplements providing DHA, like our Pure Strength Omega 3, are a vital part of your pregnancy scaffolding: not only are they crucial for the development of your unborn baby’s brain, eyes and nerves, but they can also reduce the risk of your baby having a low birth weight, and of postnatal depression. Otherwise, low energy, feeling vague or dizzy can also be linked to low ferritin and iron-deficiency anaemia. After all, as your baby grows, iron demands increase: from the first trimester when it is needed for growth and development, to the last trimester when stores are required in preparation for labour. Our Food-Grown Iron Plus is non-constipating, includes Vitamin C to improve absorption, and can be safely used alongside our Food-Grown Pregnancy.

Q: Since falling pregnant my digestion has been sluggish - how can I ease constipation?

Fluctuating hormone levels may disrupt the friendly bacteria in your body. However, improving the balance of beneficial flora in the gut may support bowel movements and ease discomfort. Choose a probiotic supplement that offers a mix of different strains - including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus - as this has been shown to reflect a more natural gut environment (our Multi Strain Biotic contains at least 30 billion colony-forming units). To aid digestion, support energy and promote the optimal release of nutrients, try our Digestive Enzyme Complex.