Prenatal Supplementation

DISCLAIMER before we even get going: BE SURE to consult with your physician and/or myself before starting a new supplement. Supplements and medications can have nutrient-drug interactions that decrease the safety for certain populations.

REMINDER: supplements are supposed to be exactly that; supplementation to what you are already getting in your diet. This does NOT take away from the need to diversify your nutrition.

Here is a link to shop my practitioner grade supplement dispensary

Prenatal vitamins

Oftentimes, an unfortunate symptom in the first trimester is severe nausea making it more challenging to take your supplements.. in those moments, extend yourself grace but also feel free to check in with me about an alternative.

My top prenatal recommendation: FULLWELL Prenatal.

Disclaimer: I AM an affiliate with Fullwell, however, this is the only prenatal I have ever, and likely will ever use. You can shop my link above to get a discount on your first order.

Something to NOT confuse, thats oftentimes discussed, recently: using beef liver in PLACE of a prenatal vitamin. I HIGHLY recommend against this as it is not diverse enough in the micronutrients necessary to sustain a healthy pregnancy.

PREGNANCY FORMULATED PROBIOTIC:

Now, this one I feel can be somewhat optional, however, I am now (previously was not) a fan of the Fullwell Probiotic. Fullwell has a disclaimer that they are the only research backed probiotic with three strains of live bacteria, directly targeting: digestive health, vaginal health, and a healthy stress response throughout the reproductive journey. As I’ve said one hundred times, I would trust the quality of Fullwell with my life — the only prenatal and probiotic I’ve ever used!

Lets disseminate how these work together to give the benefits: they support digestion by ensuring that your body has optimal micronutrient absorption prior to and during pregnancy. Other benefits are enhanced reproductive outcomes and creating a healthier, more diverse birthing environment. After-all, babies get 100% of their gut microbiome from their mother’s vaginal microbiome when born vaginally. Lastly, the stress response helps with emotional balance which can help with that early-stage pregnancy resilience.

NAC - N-Acetylcysteine

NAC is one of my favorite supplements for SO many reasons, especially for my PCOS gals. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, you’re going to notice a HUGE uproar in glutathione this year — it’s one of your body’s most POWERFUL antioxidants.

The benefits of taking this preconception include:

1. Boosting glutathione levels: your body’s primary antioxidant which supports and protects egg quality and sperm from oxidative damange

2. Improves cervical mucus quality: this can improve sperm transport and fertilization potential

3. Supports hormone balance: it’s been shown to help regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation in women with PCOS

4. Reduces inflammation

5. Protects reproductive tissues

6. Supports detoxification: this is my FAVORITE use. It aids the liver in detoxication, it’s primary function! It helps to metabolize and clear excess hormones and toxins before pregnancy

7. It MAY lower miscarriage risk in certain cases: this has been studied in women with recurrent loss thats linked to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to inflammation, cell damage, impaired function, lowered sperm quality, hormone imbalance, and implantation success.

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

This is a fat soluble antioxidant thats is found in nearly every cell that support energy production. When used preconception, we have immense benefits like:

1. Supporting egg quality

2. Promoting healthy ovarian reserves (like slowing age-related decline in egg quality, especially in women over 35)

3. Improves cellular energy

4. Protects against oxidative stress

5. MAY enhance IVF outcomes: Many IVF clinics will recommend CoQ10 supplementation starting at least 2-3 months before an IVF cycle to allow time for egg maturation. Ubiquinol is the preferred and most abosrbable form of CoQ10

6. Supports sperm health in male partners

INositiol

Inositol is naturally occurring and similar to B vitamins. It plays a crucial role in cell-signaling, specifically for insulin and hormone communication. Thus, making it another one of my preferred supplements for my PCOS and preconception gals!

1. Supporting healthy ovulation: helps by improving ovarian function, particularly in women with PCOS by enhancing hormones like FSH which can lead to more regular ovulation

2. Improves insulin sensitivity: it improves how cells respond to insulin, lowering circulating insulin levels and this stabilizes other hormones like testosterone and LH which can improve ovulation regularity and egg quality

3. Supports egg quality: by reducing oxidative stress and improving metabolic health.

4. Balances androgens (your sex hormones): high insulin can lead to excess androgens, specifically testosterone, which can disrupt ovulation and egg development.

5. MAY reduce risk of Gestational Diabetes (GDM): pre-pregnancy use of inositol has been associated with lower rates of GDM, especially in women with higher risk (PCOS, obesity, insulin resistance)

6. Can support a healthy mood: involved in neurotransmitter signaling (serotonin and dopamine) and has been observed to have a calming mood balancing effect which can help with preconception stress and emotional health

Omega-3’s:

Omega-3’s are easily my favorite supplement for ANYONE for so many reasons, particularly anti-inflammatory benefits and bone and joint health. But, in reference to fertility we see the following benefits:

1. Supporting hormone production and balance: fats help to build hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

2. Reduces inflammation which can interfere with ovulation, implantation, and early pregnancy by creating a healthier uterine environment

3. Enhances egg quality

4. Supports healthy cervical mucus

5. Improves blood flow to reproductive organs

6. May reduce pre-term birth and pregnancy complications: starting omega-3’s before conception can build tissue stores which are linked to a lower risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and postpartum mood disorders

7. Supports baby’s brain and eye development (this ones my favorite!): it’s critical for retail brain development and retinal development.

When I supplement myself, I actually stack Fullwell’s Omega-3’s (2 capsules) + 1 capsule of ProOmega2000 by Nordic Naturals

ZINC Picollinate

Zinc is an essentially trace mineral thats involved in reproduction, immune health and cell growth. This specific form is the cheapest but also the most bioavailable.

Benefits include:

1. Supports egg development

2. Regulates hormones

3. Boosts fertility in men and women. In women: supports healthy cervical mucus production which aids sperm transportation. In men, it increases sperm count, motility, and quality by supporting testosterone and protecting against oxidative damage

4. Supports implantation and early pregnancy: it’s curcial for DNA synthesis and cell division so this is incredibly important after conception when cells rapidly multiple

5. Strengthens immune function

6. Antioxidant benefits

Alright, woof, thats a lot and I feel like I could keep going. Essentially, my stack when pre-conception is:

• Prenatal

• Prenatal formulated probiotic

• Omega-3s

• NAC

• Inositol

• Zinc Picollinate

• Vitamin D3 + K2

Sometimes there are more and sometimes less. BUT, all of this to be said: PLEASE don’t take this like advice, this is me listing out the benefits of some of the supplements that I personally value the most as a specialist in prenatal nutrition.

Want to work with me?

1. Ag Women’s Wellness Club

2. 1:1 Nutrition Coaching VERY few spots

3. Legacy Labs + Video Review

I’m currently accepting spots for my new Legacy Labs program.

My Legacy Labs program includes:

• Functional lab testing & lab reviews done via video

• Personalized nutrition & supplement protocols based on your symptoms & lab results

• Delivered supplemental protocol using an HSA/FSA eligible software

• All lab and test results

• Personalized folder encompassing all of this together

• 30 days of 1:1 email support following

For exact details on my Legacy Labs program click here

If you’re someone who:

• Already has a strong grasp on basic nutrition practices

• Wants to understand nutrition for hormonal health

• Has already “tried everythign”

• Are at the point you feel like you need “more” (I.e. lab testing) to figure out the root cause(s)

• You’ve been told your labs are “normal” or “just lose weight”

• You’ve been diagnosed with conditions like PCOS, infertility, etc.