Optimising nutrition at preconception, pregnancy and post-natal stages

A balanced diet will provide the nutrients required for a health pregnancy

Micronutrients:

  • Folate (methylfolate): Essential for neural tube development and DNA synthesis. (e.g., leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods).

  • Iron: Supports oxygen transport and reduces the risk of anemia during pregnancy. (e.g., lean meats, spinach, and lentils).

  • Vitamin D: Vital for bone health, immune function, and hormonal balance. (e.g., sun exposure, fatty fish, and fortified products). Needs to be monitored through testing.

  • Zinc: Promotes fertility, immune health, and cellular repair. (e.g., nuts, seeds, and shellfish), based on evidence of need.

  • Iodine: Supports thyroid function and fetal brain development. (e.g., seaweed, fish, and iodized salt),

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Enhance egg and sperm quality, reduce inflammation, and support brain development in the baby. (e.g., fatty fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds).

Macronutrients:

  • Adequate protein for tissue repair and hormone production.

  • Healthy fats to support hormonal balance and cell membrane integrity.

  • Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and stable blood sugar levels.

Healthy pregnancy

Frequently asked questions by our clients

  • Key Nutrients for Men include:

    • Zinc and selenium for sperm production.

    • Vitamin C and E as antioxidants to protect sperm from oxidative damage.

    • Omega-3s to improve sperm motility and quality.

    • Lifestyle Choices: Avoid excessive heat (e.g., saunas, laptops on lap) and reduce exposure to toxins.

  • The rates of autism and neurodiverse conditions are increasing yearly. The recurrence risk for siblings of children with autism is approximately 10-20%.

    The likelihood of having a second child with autism depends on multiple factors, including genetics, environmental influences, and overall family health.

    Key factors to consider incude:

    • Genetic Predisposition

    • Epigenetics and environmental triggers, e.g. infections, toxins and stress during pregancy.

    • Parental age

    • Inflammation and immune dysregulation

    • Nutrition

    • Gut health

    • Underlying health problem and certain medications

  • Maternal inflammation refers to an immune response initiated in a pregnant woman due to various triggers, including infections, autoimmune conditions, environmental toxins, stress, or metabolic imbalances. This inflammatory state can affect the maternal-fetal interface and potentially disrupt fetal development through systemic or localiaed immune activity.

    Maternal inflammation during pregnancy has been extensively studied and linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch or book in a free call with Lorene by clicking the link below.

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