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Nutrients to Support Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum

Thinking of embarking on the amazing journey of having children?

Here at Matakana Pharmacy we think both maternal and paternal health are of equal importance leading up to conception. We’ve put together a guide of the best supplements for conception, pregnancy and POSTNATAL to support both mum and dad for each stage of pregnancy.

Dad’s health plays a big role in the quality of genetic material within the sperm that can influence the little one’s genetic build up. Mum’s health directly plays a role in the environment in which your little one will develop into hopefully a healthy young baby at term.

Environmental

Speaking environmentally there are many factors that can influence the parent’s genetics. Smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, toxin exposure or medical conditions such as obesity or diabetes can negatively impact the genetic quality passed on to bubs from mum and dad. This can increase the risk of disease in children. Avoiding these or managing them when able is key but a special focus should be shed on nutrients that play an essential role in supporting a healthy pregnancy, a healthy birth and beyond.

Let us discuss some of these nutrients and their roles.

Iron

Iron has been show to support both mum’s energy during the pregnancy and plays a crucial role in baby’s brain development.

Choline

Support foetal brain development and enhance cognition and memory

Zinc

Support cell growth and development.

Iodine

Iodine is essential for both foetal growth and development

Probiotic Stains LGG and BB-12

Support foetal brain development and enhance cognition and memory

Omega-3 fatty acids

Support foetal eye structure and function

The vitamins

Now it's important to mention that already most pregnant, breastfeeding or looking to get pregnancy women take a slew of vitamins - some with no recognizable positive effect - and this guide is meant to dilute out brands that our team of pharmacists and natural health prescribers have identified are sub-par so we want to recommend vitamins that are of a better quality, better absorption profile and have enough dosage to help support a healthy conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding phases for mum and baby!

Not only have we included some of our favourite supplements, we have listed off some of the other essentials.

However, what we have is not ane xhaustive list.There are many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that play a crucial role to achieve healthy outcomes during preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Here's a helpful guide

Nausea

Vitamin B6 and Ginger can help reduce nausea and are safe to use to combat and reduce
morning sickness during pregnancy.

Bone

Vitamin D & K2 and mineral Manganese help support bone development in the little one

Post

Zinc and Vitamin B12 support child brain development post pregnancy.

Food for thought

When looking at the microbiome - the community of microorganisms (such as bacteria) that exist in the gut and other parts of the human body. Certain strains can help support the immune system, neurological development in bubs for expecting mums and help with the way the body metabolises and handles sugar. Feeding the microbiome the correct strains of beneficial bacteria (such as LGG and BB12) can achieve a healthier gut flora environment leading to better health outcomes.

Metagenics for mums & dads

Here at Matakana Pharmacy we work with Metagenics - a leading range of practitioner only supplements and vitamins that are prescribed by our team to help support this journey for you focusing on both mum and dad’s health.

For Mum

Pre-conception we recommend Metagenics PREGNANCY CARE ADVANCED to provide mum with all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals we discussed throughout her journey from trying to breastfeeding and all in between. This we recommend alongside both Metagenics ULTRA FLORA MOTHER & BABY to focus on supporting maternal and foetal health and development through their microbiome and Metagenics ULTRA DHA/EPA to deliver an ultra clean healthy dose of Omega-3 essential fatty acids both for mum and baby health.

Metagenics METACHOLINE provides a vegan source of choline to support a healthy pregnancy as well as foetal brain and nervous system development. Check out the Metagenics Range below.

For more tips including how to support infant health and feeding your baby check out this awesome guide from Metagenics here.

For Dad

Although a woman will be the one to technically get pregnant, and carries and delivers the baby, a man also has a crucial role. For fertilization to occur, his sperm must be healthy and strong to reach and penetrate the women's egg. To make fertilization happen, a man must be able to have and keep an erection, have enough sperm that are the right shape and move in the right way, and have enough semen to carry the sperm to the egg. A problem in any step in this process, including male fertility, can prevent pregnancy. Tips to help men support their reproductive role include shedding extra pounds to support sperm count and quality, maintaining a healthy well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and increasing vitamin intake.

For dad Metagenic’s PATERNAL PLUS with Zinc, Selenium & Tribulus supports dad’s sperm health, sexual function and immunity.

See the full range

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Nutrients to Support Preconception, Pregnancy and Postpartum

Iron