2021 - The Year of the Baby Boom?

After the challenging year we have all had to endure, we’re all hoping for better things in 2021. One positive outcome is that many people may be looking to the future and planning on starting or extending a family. The process of having a baby can be both exciting and challenging and it’s important to look after yourself and your partner whilst on the journey.

Whether you are already pregnant (congratulations!) or are trying to get pregnant, it is important to ensure you are getting the essential nutrients that can help keep you on track. This blog should be able to provide you with some valuable information regarding the nutrients that can help you during your process. 

Folate

It is recommended that women who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant have a daily intake of folic acid, which is a type of folate. Folate is a general term used to describe different types of vitamin b9. One of these vitamin types is folic acid, which is the synthetic version of folate and is often added to fortified food or used as a supplement. Folic acid can be found in Udo’s Choice Beyond Greens, which can be easily incorporated into your daily diet by mixing a scoop into a smoothie or juice. 

Folic acid is especially important during the early stages of pregnancy, as it helps to form the neutral tube. It can also help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for everyone, and it is crucial for pregnant women as it supports the development of your baby’s bones, teeth and muscles. The Healthy Start scheme supported by the NHS offers pregnant women on a low-income free vitamin D supplements - so it is worth contacting your GP to see if you qualify for the scheme. If not, you can get your source of vitamin D through supplements such as One Nutrition D3-MAX. 

Fish Oil

It is important for pregnant women to get their intake of omega-3 which is found in fish oil. Omega-3 plays an important part in the development of your baby’s brain as well as the development of their central nervous system. Research has shown that omega-3 is able to provide potential long term benefits including: 

• Reduced risk of preterm delivery
• A healthy birth weight
• The development of healthier and stronger bones
• The reduced risk of your baby developing eczema later in life

Omega-3 can be found in fish oil and through supplements such as Cleanmarine V-good, which is a simple way of getting your daily intake of omega-3 along with other vital nutrients. Whilst it is recommended that you consume fish oil that contains omega-3, you should not take cod-liver oil as this contains retinol (vitamin A) which can harm your baby. Any supplements that contain vitamin A should be avoided by pregnant women. 

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (known as CoQ10) is a vitamin supplement that is typically known for boosting your heart health. However, there has been some research that has found that CoQ10 may improve fertility in both men and women, which has seen an increase in people taking the supplement who are trying for a baby. CoQ10 can be found in supplements such as One Nutrition Q10-MAX, which are capsules that are meant to be taken once daily. 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is an absolutely essential nutrient and needs to be consumed whether you are pregnant or not. It’s a well-known immunity booster and a powerful antioxidant, but it can also be important for your baby’s development. If you are trying to get pregnant, vitamin C can protect cells and keep them healthy, more specifically, vitamin C can help to prevent any damage to sperm or egg cells. Supplements such as One Nutrition Revive & Go Immunity help to give you your daily dose of vitamin C. 

There are many different nutrients that can be beneficial for you if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and hopefully you have found some useful information in this blog. The most important thing is to do thorough research to ensure that you are taking the best steps for your own personal situation. Only time will tell to see if this year is the year of the baby boom!