Preparing for Pregnancy

I rally liked the Trader Joe's brand prenatals. I still take them even though I am not pregnant. It was hard for me to find one that didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth and these don't.

Whole foods,nuts,fruits,vegetables and lean meat. Not too much red meat. And EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! even if it's just walking. The mind and body feels it's best when it's in good shape. As for prenatal vitamins, I think store brand is just as good as any other.

I took a prescribed multivitamin with DHA and Omega 3 once I knew I was pregnant....I took the over the counters from Longs while I was trying. I have a 2 year old that walked at 10 mos and talks like a 4 yr old now. Was it the vitamins????

You can start taking a prenatal vitamin, and taking a folic acid supplement is important for early fetal development. Eat a diet full of fresh fruits and veggies and protein. Try to limit processed foods and sugars. Once you are pregnant taking a clean fish oil supplement is a good idea for your baby's developing brain. I really like Rainbow Light one-a-day prenatal vitamins, and Nordic Naturals fish oils. I have been taking both since I became pregnant and continue to do so now that I am breastfeeding my 6 mo old.
Good Luck you are embarking on an incredible journey

Hi, it seems like you're getting lots of advice on the pills, but what about getting lots of the nutrients you need from your diet aswell? I was eating a lot of kiwis when I was pregnant because they're so high in vitamin C, folic acid and fiber. I kept getting so many "you're glowing" compliments, that I went on to develop a kiwi juice drink especially for pre-conception, pregnancy, nursing and moms. Its been approved by the American Pregnancy Association as its so high in all the good nutrients we need as mommies.

Check out www.drinktoglow.com and let me know if you'd like me to send you some for free.
Cheers,
L.

I have some great advice for you on this one, as I had many complications with pregnancy, and what to take, and what my body did not want me taking! Everyone will give you so many different opinions, ( and it get's confusing!). I actaully am partnered with one of the best Health and Wellness companys in the world, ( and work from home) so we carry wonderful prenatal pills, and many thing that help with prgnancy!), so feel free to contact me anytime! You want to make sure that your prenatal pills have DHA in them ( this helps make a baby brain smart,and gives you some wonderful things!!) Anything with green food is great--there is a wonderful Prenatal for that, ( Super Nutrition Simply One Prenatal, it's gental on the stomach and has 1,000 mcg Folic acid!! Anyhow, again we have some of the best products in the world for pregnancy!! Feel free to contact me if your more interested!! Hope that helped! That was a long one! Good luck!!

Read "What to expect when you're expecting" and that gives a "Best Odds" diet. It has info Before you get pregnant. Costco prenatal vitamans by Nature Made are fine. Check with your gyn to be sure. Good luck!

I used a prenatal pill that I got from Whole Foods. I don't remember the exact name, but there's a rainbow on the bottle. Our son has turned out well so far. It's a little expensive. Honestly, I think any prenatal pill will be just fine.

I used Just Once Naturals Prenatal One Multiviatmin by Rainbow Light.

It has 800mg of Folic Acid in one tablet, which is about as high of a dosage as you can get without a prescription.

GNLD has the very best vitamins you can get. I have 7 children having my last baby at 47 I tried a variety of supplements using GNLD with my last at 47 made a huge difference in my pregnancy, delivery and recovery. That child has only been to the doctor one time in 12 1/2 years for any illness because I put him on the children's vitamins from GNLD.
There are several things unique to GNLD, I was told by a PhD at Stanford who specializes in Pregnant, nursing mothers and children's health that GNLD has the only product with grain oils needed to keep the cells efficient at taking in nutrients and eliminating toxins making for a much healthier pregnancy.
Omega III oils are also extremely important for brain, nerve and eye development of the baby. GNLD was also tested to have the purest and highest potency of any fish oils on the market. THis is very important for the mother as well because the DHA in fish oils is what feeds the part of the brain that helps prevent post partum depression.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. More info on my website at www.plumblinenutrition.com
What a special time in your life, congratulations.

I suggest Red Raspberry leaf infusion (see Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year for instructions on how to make an infusion) As well as nettle leaf infusion. Drink chilled with honey and mint 2 cups a day.

Also, start on a good prenatal vitamin like Rainbow lite or New Chapter (food based is important here).

Drink lots of water, ease off caffiene (especially coffee), get sunshine and exercise. And de-stress your life if possible.

Fish oils, especially Udo's 3-6-9, are also good for healthy hormone production.

Good luck and best wishes.
Your local midifery student.

R.:

If you really want to know exactly what your body needs for optimal health, you order GENSONA for DNA testing (Gensona) at www.bbu4u.com. (www.gensona.com for more info; wwww.bbu4u.com for ordering the test kit.) This will help our team at Nutrilite provide individualized supplement packets tailored to your own needs. There will be no guess work and it's an inexpensive and easy process.

IN the meantime, heere are the supplements I recommend for you: DoubleX (complete vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients); Ocean's Omega 3 (you must take omega 3's which will help your babies brain development and it is important for your bod regardless) - if you're alergic to fish we also have a plant omega tablet); vitamin C; cal/Mag; plus you will want to make sure you are getting enough folic acid so be sure to eat veggies high in folic acid. Drink 1/2 your weight in ounces of water daily. Our Twist Tubes are an excellent way to add vitamins to your water and make it tastier too. Eating plenty of fruits and vegatables and staying away from processed foods will help your body prepare. You should also make sure you are excersizing regularly and staying away from stimulants (coffee, tea, cigs, alcohol, stress).

I recommend Dr. Chet's The Better Life Institute for advice on health/medical/diet concerns. As far as our vitamins and supplements go, you will not find a better more researched effective and affordable vitamin/supplements and health products than Nutrilite (research yourself at www.nutrilite.com). I'm offering a great discount on our DNA testing right now, so feel free to give me a call ###-###-#### or (866) 752-3255 if you have any questions. I would love to help you and your family in any way I can and can walk you through the website and determine which products will enhance your health and help you prepare for baby. OF course, I can come over or meet you at Starbucks too! I'm available some evenings and most weekends.

My other pregnant mommies LOVE our vitamins and healthy nutritional products and I know you will too! They especially love how much energy they have and how fantastic they feel. Of course, all are backed by our 180-day, 100% unconditional money-back (postage paid) guarantee.

Congratulations on your choice! I hope I get a chance to meet you and help you prepare for the most amazing experience of your lives.

Many blessings,
K. Nicole
www.bbu4u.com (take our Health Questionnaire too, R.; you'll gain invaluable insight and information through the process)

Like Dawn said, the best supplements to take are plant based. I'm a specialist in natural nutrition with Shaklee and would be happy to help you understand your needs better.

I'm pregnant and have done thorough research on what's best for me, my baby, my body and my energy levels. Shaklee can offer you the highest quality natural nutrition for pregnancy preparation and to reduce any nausea & fatigue once pregnant.

Please visit my website: www.shaklee.net/andrea_reak to learn more or contact me directly: ____@____.com and I'll be happy to work out a supplement plan for your specific needs. This is what I love to do!

Congratulations on your choice to prepare for a healthy pregnancy!
Be well,
A. Reak

I didn't see mine listed so I have to share how fabulous I think New Chapter Perfect Prenatal is. It is the only whole food organic prenatal I have found in my local stores. Whole food means they actually use the foods with the nutrients and make a broth to make tablets from it. This is the ideal form of your vitamins to come as your body will absorb the nutrients so much easier than synthetic vitamins. Because it's so easily digested it doesn't cause constipation or nausea as I've heard many others do. It has greens, a probiotic, herbs, it's organic, the works. Love them. I take their women's vitamin when I'm when I'm not prego or working on it! It is more expensive, $30 or so but I think it's so worth it. I have also heard good things about Rainbow Light which I believe is also a whole food prenatal and less expensive, so if money is an issue I would go for that one but it's not organic & I try to do as much organic as possible when I'm prego, but that would be my second choice. Excited for you, I'm 23 wks now, happy baby making!
K.

Rainbow Light Prenatal Vitmains are the best, in my opinion. Find them at a health food store. The one a day is easier to take than the 6 per day because they are big pills. I still take them (nursing) and my daughter is 13 months.

Avoid caffiene, alcohol, tobacco, drugs. EAt lots of fruits/veggies and whole grains and limit animal products if you're able, fast food, sushi, soft cheeses.

Hi there,
I took Fertility Blend for Women (see www.fertilityblend.com). It is an herbal/vitamin supplement that you take 3 times/day to optimize fertility and reproductive health. I found it at a drug store and they also carry it at GNC and other vitamin stores. Or you can order it on the website. I was really afraid it would be hard for me to get pregnant since I had very infrequent periods and my doctor said I didn't ovulate very often. My dr. wanted to put me on Clomid, but I wanted to try the natural route first before resorting to drugs with side effects. This supplement is supposed to balance all your hormones in order to get pregnant quickly and safely. It is the only type of natural fertility supplement that has been scientifically validated (you can read the scientific research on the website.) I started taking it and was pregnant within two months for both my babies. I have now recommended it to several friends. I'm a firm believer. I also took a regular prenatal vitamin along with it. As long as the prenatal vitamins have the recommended amount of folic acid, that's the important thing. And the Fertility blend has plenty of that in it too. Check it out!

I am in the middle of my 5th pregnancy. I have taken perscription prenantal vitamins 2 out of my 4 previous pregnancies and both of those babies were larger and healthier than the other 2 and they were not back to back babies either. They were my first and my last before this baby that is due in August.I am also currently taking perscription prenatal vitamins for this baby. I suggest taking perscription ones versus over the counter ones.

Good Luck!

Just try to eat a healthy diet. I like the prenatal vitamins my doctor prescribed. They are more expensive but worth it.

Hey there...
Good luck with everything first off.
And my luck came with prenatal vitamins. They work wonders when you are pregnant, before conception, and even when your neither. Try it, and let us all know.

Love Auds

Just start taking folic acid daily. Any folic acid. Price does not matter, so get the cheap ones. Eat your regular diet, unless it is horrible. ;) Exercise regularly. Even if the exercise is a 30 minute walk daily.
And once you are pregnant, then you'll start a prenatal vitamin. Many women have to try several different kinds before finding one their body likes. Price and brand truly don't matter, and fancy ingredients also aren't necessary.
We humans have been getting pregnant and having babies for, gosh, forever, and for most of that time we did it without pills and other designer fads. Just eat whole foods, move your body, and enjoy!

Just wanted to add my two cents to the acupucture part.
Eastern medicine has been established long before Western medicine but it's still considered "new" in the United States. The general course of treatment for acupucture is 3 months, three days a week. The days of treatment per week may be less but the duration is important.
Search for an ancupucturist who is also a licensed herbalist, there are some who are not licensed but just know a lot about herbs because they are used in conjuction with acupucture. Most will not do medical billing but you can ask before making an appointment. Also, ask about prior patients they have worked with for fertility/pregnancy reasons and make sure to express all your concerns for expectations from the first initial visit, this just helps ease the stress that can sometimes be associated with any treatments that are not "main stream."
General initial work up should not be more than $240 and a session over $60 is overpriced. Each case is diferrent and I was able to work out a payment plan since the course of my treatment was going to be routine rather than occasional.

I'm a mom who has used acupuncture for one of my pregnancies. It helped control my nausea, hip/joint pain from loosing of the legiments and helped me naturally bring on contractions/birth instead of pitocin or other medications.
Enjoy the experience and excitement of getting pregnant.
It's definately an "E ticket."

When preparing for pregnancy it is best to eat healthy all the way around. Stay away from alcohol, junk food, sugar and too many carbs.. Which are sugars... Try to eat 3 veggies a day, solid proteins, and minimal carbs... Just enough.. Eat Omega 3, 6, & 9 fats which you can get in fish. Also exercise... It is also important for your husband to eat well with you. The important part of the prenatal pills is dose of Folic acid... you can get this from any over the counter prenatal pill.

Be patient... It could take up to 3 months or longer of doing the right thing... Always remember that you are getting into shape to gain it all back.. BUT you will lose it faster than anyone else!!

Also this will prepare you to eat right when you get pregnant.

The best foods are a plant based diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, soy, ground up flax seed for Omega 3's, etc.). That is where the nutrients that your body needs are. Because your body needs more nutrients than normal, and to fill in the gaps between what we should eat and what we actually eat everyday, it is advised to supplement.
Which one to choose is key. A prenatal is fine, but i wouldnt stop there. That only provides 20 or so nutrients, when the body actually needs thousands to choose from, as represented in the food we're supposed to eat.

I take and recommend Juice Plus. Its the most scientifically tested & proven nutritional supplement in the world, proven safe for pregnancies, and its simple: 17 fruits, vegetables & grains in a capsule. Its packed with thousands of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, folic acid, phytochemicals, chlorophyl, fiber, etc. that are naturally present in the foods themselves. Its easy to take, very affordable and a great way to fill in that crucial food group gap. I have info for you specific to pregancy, so you can email me and i'll send it your ____@____.com can also check it out at www.JPforNutrition.com.
Hope that helps!
D.

I can't necessarily comment to which brand of prenatal vitamins is actually best. I think I took Solgar and Rainbow and eventually another brand....but I did make sure I was taking enough Folic Acid (pills &/or raw), all the Omegas (I took Nordic Naturals but Carlson's is also supposed to be great and now I'm taking Krill Oil in replace of the Nordic Omegas). I also made sure I had enough Calcium (pills &/or raw). Check out the Herbal Pharmacist. He's got a lot of great advice. www.herbalpharmacist.com I also like Dr. Weil (www.drweil.com) and Dr. Mercola (www.mercola.com) when it comes to health. All of them will have great things to say about pregnancy vitamins and wellness.

Hi!

I did a lot of research on this before I became pregnant, and one of the most important things you can take is a good multi-vitmain and mineral complex. A woman hoping to become pregnant should start her regime at least 3 months before she plans to get pregnant, and one of the most important nutrients is Folic Acid or Vitamin B-6. I just had my baby boy 4 months ago (already!), and he was a healthy 8 lbs 5 oz, and alert from day one. I didn't have any problems with high blood pressure, or anemia, and both my baby and I were healthy and full of energy. I took a prenatal pack that a friend recommended to me, that included a Prenatal Multi-vitamin with iron and folic acid (you need a lot of iron!), a multi-mineral complex, an Omega 3 Fatty acid/DHA supplement (Doctors have been saying that taking this supplement enhances brain development in the developing baby), and I added a digestive supplement to help with constipation full of good bacteria (it has as much good bacteria in it as ten cups of yogurt!).

Doctors also recommend that you keep taking your prenatal vitamins at least 3 months after birth, or all throughout the time that you breastfeed.

If you'd like to ask about the vitamins I took, I can give you my friend's e-mail address and she can tell you where you can find them. It's ____@____.com, she'd love to help you.

I agree with all of the posts about foods and vitamins (except that there is a difference in the brand of vitamins, just like there's a difference btwn bread made from whole grains and others made from highly processed ingredients and byproducts). There's a lot of controversy about a new book named "The Fertility Diet" - you can do a search for it on Amazon, and read all the different reviews - it seems to support what most everyone is saying here (note: I have not read it, only articles and reviews). I'm 14 weeks pregnant after 6 years of trying - following diet and supplement advice like that below is part of why I think I was finally able to get pregnant.

All prenatal vitamins have more folic acid in them than regular vitamins (to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida), a little more iron and calcium, but less vitamin A (which in large quantities can also cause birth defects).

See the sites http://www.babycenter.com/0_prenatal-vitamin-supplements-... or http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/28...
for a little more information.

I am taking a Walgreen's brand, which has ALL the recommended levels of vitamins and minerals, and is a fraction of the cost!! Don't get sucked in to buying a 'designer' brand - a vitamin is a vitamin! Marketing is the only difference.

K. H., MD, MSc, FRCSC
____@____.com

Shaklee are the best vitamins. They are 100% natural whole reduced foods. If you want more info, visit shaklee.com. As for pregnancy prep, I went to a local accupuncturist. He got my body into shape and working properly, then when I said I was ready, I was pregnant in a week.

Folic acid... my Dr. always says it's the most important, especially through the first trimester.

Hi Swettie
let God help you don't change your diet eat what you want and all the prenatal pills are the same over the counter and your and by the doctor I have read them and what to do is RELAX GOD has has plan for you and your unborn child and your husband when you get pregnant you will crave weird stuff so don't change anything and don't diet just be happy and don't stress
Good luck
Danielle Mother of 4