Pregnancy To Postnatal: A Guide For Choosing The Right Supplements

Nutritional needs change during pregnancy and after childbirth. The nutritional requirements during pregnancy and postnatal stages can vary by the stage of motherhood and health needs, as well as individual diets. Therefore, when evaluating pregnancy-specific and breastfeeding support supplements, it is important to understand what exactly to look for.

This article includes general information about the change in nutritional needs during pregnancy and postnatal stages, nutrients to look for in postnatal and pregnancy supplements, and things to consider while choosing a supplement. A healthcare professional can help determine appropriate supplements for individual needs.

Why Supplement Needs Change During Pregnancy & Postnatal Stages

In the pregnancy stage, the body focuses on nourishing the foetus while supporting the health of the mother. The body requires nutrients to support healthy foetal growth and placental development. After childbirth, the nutritional needs of the body can vary depending on factors such as blood loss during delivery, recovery, diet, etc. Breastfeeding mothers may often need supplements to support recovery and milk production, as the body prioritises the baby’s needs, leaving their internal nutrient banks on low. That is why pregnancy and breastfeeding supplements have different focuses when it comes to the nutrients involved.

Nutrients To Look For In Pregnancy Supplements

Your healthcare professional may recommend the following supplements in pregnancy:

• Folic acid (Vitamin B9): Folic acid is prescribed before conception and during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, like spina bifida. It is also important for foetal brain development.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D supports bone growth and skeletal strength. It also helps the body absorb calcium.
• Iodine: Iodine supplements are often recommended not just during pregnancy but also in the pre-pregnancy and breastfeeding periods. It is important for the baby’s brain development.
• Iron: The body has higher iron demands in pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. This is to support the expansion of the mother’s blood volume and to support the baby’s development. Iron supplements may be recommended by a healthcare professional if testing indicates iron deficiency or anaemia.
• Vitamin B12: It helps support the development of the baby’s nervous system and brain and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 supplementation is often recommended if the mother follows a vegan or vegetarian diet.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These fats are a critical structural component for brain, nerve, and eye development.
• Probiotics: Studies suggest that probiotic supplementation during the last trimester of pregnancy may help reduce the risk of infant eczema.

That said, always talk to your midwife or healthcare professional before taking any supplement, especially iron supplements, as high doses of iron may cause side effects.

Nutrients To Look For In Postnatal Supplements

Your healthcare professional may recommend the following supplements in the postnatal stage:

• Iron: To help prevent anaemia and support rebuilding of iron stores after birth.
• Iodine: Important for healthy thyroid function, as the thyroid regulates metabolism, energy levels, and mood. Iodine may also help support the baby’s nervous system health.
• Choline: Especially important while breastfeeding, choline may support the infant’s brain development and memory function.
• B vitamins: May help support energy levels. Vitamin B12 is especially important to help support infant brain development and prevent maternal anaemia.
• Calcium: To support the baby’s bone and teeth health while breastfeeding.
• Vitamin D: To support calcium absorption and long-term bone health.
• DHA (Omega-3s): May help provide cognitive and mood support to mothers, and brain and eye health support to the baby through breast milk.

How To Choose The Right Supplements?

When selecting a healthcare professional-recommended nutrient supplement, consider the following:

• Look for third-party tested supplements: Select supplements that have been independently tested by third-party organisations. It helps ensure that what is mentioned on the label is actually there in the supplement.
• Avoid unnecessary fillers: Avoid products containing artificial ingredients, preservatives, or sweeteners.
• Go for gentle on stomach options: Select formulas that are gentle on the stomach, as these are especially helpful for postnatal care.
• Seek advice from a healthcare provider: Before you add any supplement to your routine, it is always advisable to talk to your midwife or primary care doctor. They may recommend tests to check your nutrient levels and suggest the supplements that you actually require.

Pregnancy And Postnatal Supplements

While a healthcare professional-recommended supplement is the right choice, here are some popular pregnancy and postnatal supplements for nutritional support for mums and babies:

• Blackmores Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Gold Capsules: Contains vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and a low-constipation form of iron to support a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding phase.
• NaturoBest Prenatal Trimester One Capsules: Formulated with vitamins, minerals, and ginger to help support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the symptoms of morning sickness.
• NaturoBest Birth Prep & Recovery Capsules: This herbal formulation is designed with raspberry leaf and squaw vine, which are traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support the body’s nutritional needs while preparing for birth and support recovery after childbirth.

In The End

Motherhood is a beautiful phase of a woman’s life. With pregnancy and postnatal stages being physically and emotionally demanding, supplementing the diet with required nutrients becomes important to support the mother and baby’s health. Adding a healthcare practitioner-recommended supplement, where required, to support the nutritional needs during pregnancy and postnatal stages goes a long way in supporting the overall well-being of mothers and their babies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long should you take postnatal vitamins?

A. It may vary depending on individual needs. Consult your midwife or healthcare professional to get guidance on how long to continue taking these supplements.

Q. What is the best prenatal supplement?

A. There is no single prenatal supplement that works the best for all. The right choice depends on individual nutritional needs, medical history, and stage of pregnancy. Check with your healthcare practitioner to get the one that works the best for you.

Q. Should I take a multivitamin during pregnancy?

A. Some multivitamins are specifically designed for pregnant women and may contain nutrients such as folate, iodine, and iron. Check the label and ask your doctor about the specific product’s suitability before starting to take one.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have health conditions or take medication(s), talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.