5 Surprising Things About Pregnancy & How a Perinatal Nutrition Expert Can Help

Are you thinking about having or preparing to have a child, recently got a positive test, or well on your journey to becoming a mom (first or consecutive time)? Regardless of where you are on your journey to motherhood, there is an overwhelming amount of emotions and information coming at you. Believe me, I understand, and is the reason why I went down this journey to becoming a Perinatal Expert. I was overwhelmed, confused and often felt uncertain of who to ask and where to go for help. So I did what many others likely do/did and took a deep dive into cyber land only to resurface with feeling more overwhelmed. There’s a lot of topics, opinions and research to navigate on top of being present in your own experience. I’m writing this to let you know there are certified professionals trained to help you along this journey, in many ways. If you are looking for real life achievable solutions backed up by current research and lived experience while staying mindful of your footprint left behind for the next generation, I’m your girl. Here’s a few surprising things I learnt through my first journey and ways I can support you along yours.

Surprise #1:

Preconception planning is recommended 1-2 years before conceiving, (regardless if it's your 1st or consecutive pregnancy). Let’s be real, we don't always know when/if we want children when they arrive, or on the flip side, patience isn't always the strong suit of those that know they do. However it's important to acknowledge that pregnancy is often referred to as a marathon and it takes time to prepare your body for the adventure ahead regardless of your course. Focusing your attention to addressing your current lifestyle and habits and transitioning to a more holistic lifestyle, (reducing stress and optimizing sleep, nutrition & movement), will not only maximize your current state of living but create a welcoming environment (in vitro) for your future little one(s). There are several strategies to support you along your journey whether we have a few months or a year+, and make it easier to navigate the most common pregnancy symptoms/complications. - Choosing to work with a perinatal expert can help establish best practices, optimize egg/sperm quality and set the stage for welcoming new life in your body and home.

Surprise #2:

Not surprising most women first seek support from an OB or Midwife during their pregnancy, but surprisingly both professionals are limited in nutritional education and rarely advise or support in regards to nutrition specifics. Often their support starts and ends with a list of what not to eat, and rarely follow up with anything else. Leaving you to research and educate yourself. A recent study found only 50% of pregnant people reported getting any nutritional advice from their healthcare providers during pregnancy and of those that did get it were dissatisfied with the advice. (1) - Choosing to work with a perinatal nutrition expert will help clarify any gaps in care like nutritional needs/support, and provide client focused solutions to additionally support you in a new phase of your life and the life you're creating.

Surprise #3:

Many of today’s pregnancy RDA guidelines are still informed by research collected in the 1950’s which were conducted on misrepresenting population groups. Surprisingly, less than 20% of the research used for current RDA guidelines, included pregnant or lactating women. (2) The latest peer reviewed research, now including representative population groups, are proving different results and shifting the gold standard amounts necessary for optimizing pregnancy outcomes. We’ve come a long way since the 1950s and now know how vital nutrition plays a role in our life long health starting in vitro. - Choosing to work with a perinatal expert will provide you with up to date research taking the guesswork out and empower you in making well informed decisions to optimize your health throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Surprise #4:

Gestational Diabetes is the #1 medical condition during pregnancy. (3) Although it impacts 3-20% of pregnancies, it is often managed by nutrition and lifestyle modifications before having to resort to medication. It is not necessarily caused by poor eating habits or being overweight. Yes, it can affect smaller bodied women and it does not exhibit symptoms. No, it does not benefit you to “trick” the glucose test and avoid diagnosis but know this test is optional, not mandatory but recommended by your healthcare provider. If you happen to be diagnosed, which usually occurs around the 24-28 week gestation period, know that there are several nutritional options to managing your blood sugar. - Choosing to work with a perinatal nutritional expert will help you keep the sweetness of pregnancy without spiking your blood sugar. I can provide several delicious meals and snacks that keep you satisfied and help explain food labels and sneaky sugars that frequent our diets under the radar.

Surprise #5:

50% of moms suffer from postpartum nutrient depletion and its impacts can remain for 7-10 years postpartum. It is not uncommon to think after a baby's arrival that eating behaviours for mom go back to “normal” or further we shift the focus to losing the baby

weight all together which is often approached by reducing caloric intake. However, a lactating woman requires more calories than a prenatal woman, in order to sustain the milk production required to nurture a baby. While we continue to provide nutrients for our new adorable baby, we still need to provide adequate nutrients for our body’s to not only survive but heal and replenish essential nutrients utilized during pregnancy & birth.Recent research is looking at the connection between nutrient depletion and postpartum depression and the critical role of micronutrients. (4) Choosing to work with a perinatal expert can help avoid nutrient depletion and significantly boost postnatal mood while you find your new flow in motherhood. Furthermore, it can help prepare you for a successful consecutive pregnancy.

Did you find this blog helpful? Do you want to feel more supported during your pregnancy journey? Book in an Initial Perinatal Consultation to start optimizing your nutritional needs and bring clarity to your fertility, pregnancy and postpartum questions. Also available is a Complimentary Discovery Call to make sure you feel confident in your choice in supporting mom and baby’s journey.

References:

(1) Jackson H, et al, Do Pregnant Women Perceive Being Counseled About Nutrition by Healthcare Providers?, Research Square, 11 April 2022, : https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1514885/v1

(2) Smith, E. et al, Limited data exist to inform our basic understanding of micronutrient requirements in

pregnancy. Science Advances. Vol 7 Issue 43, 22 Oct 2021, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abj8016

(3) Eberle, C & Stichling, S. Environmental health influences in pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. BMC Public Health. (2022) 22:1572. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13965-5

(4) Ellsworth-Bowers, E. & Corwin, E. Nutrition and the psychoneuroimmunology of postpartum Depression. National Institute of Health. Vol 25, Issue 1, Pg 180-192. June 2012.