Optimal Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Pregnancy

Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Pregnancy Optimal Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Pregnancy

Oh, pregnancy…. that wonderful time when everyone offers unwanted advice and your body changes in ways you didn’t know possible. Since I’m now in the third trimester of pregnancy myself, and starting to really “feel” pregnant, I though I would offer my own completely unsolicited advice for a healthy pregnancy. (If you’re pregnant, you are probably getting advice from the grocery store cashier, relatives, and complete strangers, so why not?). I am not a doctor, midwife or medical professional, just another mom who has been there too!

This is only the fifth time I’ve been through all the joys of pregnancy (read about my previous pregnancies here), so I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, but thought I’d share what I’ve learned along the way!

Healthy Pregnancy Begins Before Conception

From experience, I know that the best time to begin a healthy pregnancy regimen is before you conceive. Having a strong nutritional system in place not only increases your odds of healthy conception, but will also help your body handle the transitions of early pregnancy without all the discomfort.

For those struggling with achieving a pregnancy, optimizing diet and lifestyle factors can make a tremendous difference in successfully conceiving naturally.

Having positive dietary and lifestyle habits in place will also help minimize the discomforts of pregnancy and make sure baby is getting optimal nutrition as well.

Pregnancy Nutrition

Ensuring optimal nutrition during pregnancy is one of the best gifts you can give your baby. Doctors warn of the foods to avoid (cold cuts, excess caffeine, soft cheeses, alcohol, etc) but few give detailed advice on what optimal pregnancy nutrition should look like.

I certainly had to navigate these waters myself during my first few pregnancies, and I’ve noticed that as my diet and health have improved, my pregnancies have gotten much easier.

Unfortunately, for many women, eating the best diet for baby during pregnancy requires forgetting all the conventional wisdom they’ve ever been told on health eating.

Low fat diet- not good!

“Healthy whole grains” – not so good either!

Keeping blood sugar stable with little carb snacks all day- not really!

A woman’s body is quite literally building an entire human being during pregnancy, and as such, she needs a lot of quality sources of all the things needed to support the human body- mainly proteins, fats, vegetables and fruits, and certain supplements she can’t adequately get from food.

Foods to focus on during pre-conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Protein: Most women need 80+ grams of protein every day for healthy pregnancy. Some research shows lower risk of preclampsia and other complications with adequate protein, and some women report less morning sickness when they consume this much protein.
Fats: This is often the biggest hurdle for many women, but consuming adequate fats is absolutely vital to baby’s organ and brain development. Women should focus on healthy sources like meat (including red meat), butter, eggs, olive/oil, coconut/oil, nuts, limited dairy, etc
Vegetables and Fruits: Vegetables and fruits have a variety of vitamins, minerals and fiber that are helpful during pregnancy. Eating a varied diet including a lot of green leafy vegetables can also help raise Vitamin K levels.
Water: A woman’s blood volume actually increases during pregnancy and her body has to supply fluid to replenish the amniotic fluid the baby is in. Drinking enough water (usually around a gallon a day) can help fight off morning sickness and also helps prevent constipation and make sure mom and baby are properly hydrated.

Foods to avoid during pre-conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Caffeine: There are a lot of conflicting opinions on if caffeine is safe during pregnancy and if so, how much. It certainly isn’t necessary, and is best avoided. If you do consume caffeine, limit to one cup a day and not from soda.
Processed Foods: With up to 200 chemicals found in the umbilical cord blood of some babies, there is certainly good reason to avoid any unnecessary chemicals in foods or environment. Processed foods also offer little nutrition and can lead to constipation and blood sugar instability (which can cause morning sickness).
Vegetable Oils and Fats: As I’ve explained before, vegetable oils and other omega-6 fats are foreign to the body and there is no need for them. They have even been linked to cell mutation and cancers, and should especially be avoided by pregnant women due to the rapid cell development of the unborn baby.
Grains and Sugars: Grains and sugars are certainly not the most nutrient dense food choices, and in some people, they can even cause health problems. Pregnant women should focus on the most bioavailable and dense sources of nutrition, which means choosing meats, fats and vegetables/fruits over grains, sugars and baked goods.

Supplements For Healthy Pregnancy

Supplement needs can vary by woman, and all supplements should be approved by a doctor or midwife to ensure safety during pregnancy. In general, pregnant women have higher nutrient needs and often supplements are the only way to get adequate nutrients.

These basic supplements are ones that are often beneficial during pregnancy:

Probiotics: Best obtained from high quality supplements, fermented foods, and beverages like water kefir and kombucha. Since a baby is born with a sterile gut and then has his or her gut bacteria begin to develop based on the beneficial (or not) gut flora of the mother this is an important factor! Adequate probiotics can also help reduce the risk of Group B strep, and have even helped get rid of Group B strep before delivery when probiotic supplements or organic plain yogurt are used vaginally.
Omega-3s, DHA, RHA- Adequate good fats are absolutely essential for baby’s development and it is difficult to get enough from diet. Supplementing high quality sources of these fats can help reduce risk of complications and give baby the necessary nutrients for good development. I get mine from Fermented Cod Liver Oil.
Vitamin D- This article reports that “Compared to women who took 400 IU of vitamin D daily, those who took 4,000 IU were half as likely to develop gestational diabetes, pregnancy-related high blood pressure, or preeclampsia, Wagner says. They were also less likely to give birth prematurely.” Vitamin D needs vary, but many doctors are now suggesting at least 4,000 IU and up to 10,000 IU a day. This can also be obtained from Fermented Cod Liver Oil.
Folate- Well known for its preventative effects against spina bifida and other developmental struggles, folate is another important supplement. The current recommendation is 400 micrograms, though many doctors recommend 2,000 micrograms or more for optimal development, and folate is water soluble and difficult to overdose.
Iron- Anemia can cause serious complications during delivery, and is easy to prevent. If blood tests show that iron levels are low, iron supplements may be necessary, but things like cooking with cast iron pans, eating red meat/ grass fed liver and eating a variety of fats and vegetables can help optimize iron levels. I personally much prefer to get this from food rather than supplements.

Herbs During Pregnancy

Consult with a qualified herbalist, midwife or doctor before taking any herbs during pregnancy! This chart gives a basic breakdown of herbs that are helpful, and ones that should be avoided.

If your doctor or midwife approves, some herbs can be very beneficial during pregnancy. My favorite is to make a strong tea that I drink throughout pregnancy using the following herbs:

Red Raspberry Leaf (4 parts)
Nettle Leaf (1 part)
Alfalfa Leaf (1 part)
Peppermint (1 part or less)- optional

I blend these dried herbs and make a strong tea by putting 3/4 cup or more in a large glass jar and filling with boiling water and letting sit overnight. I strain, and keep iced in the fridge.

Red Raspberry Leaf:

Red Raspberry Leaf: it is an all-around excellent herb to use for pregnancy. It is a uterine tonic, anti-abortive, and helps prevent infection. Aids in preventing cramps and anemia. Prevents excessive bleeding during and after labor and will facilitate the birth process by stimulating contractions.

Peppermint:

Peppermint: after the first trimester, may be used to help digestion, soothe the stomach and overcome nausea. It is an all-over body strengthener and cleanser.

Alfalfa Leaf and Nettle Leaf:

Can will guard against excessive bleeding as they have vitamin K; will improve kidney function and help prevent hemorrhoids.

Weston A. Price Diet:

The Weston A. Price Foundation offers more detailed suggestions for diet during pregnancy and nursing, and I follow many of their guidelines, though I don’t include the grains in any form and am not always able to consume that much raw dairy. From their website:

“Fermented Cod Liver Oil to supply 20,000 IU vitamin A and 2000 IU vitamin D per day

1 quart (or 32 ounces) whole milk daily, preferably raw and from pasture-fed cows

4 tablespoons butter daily, preferably from pasture-fed cows

2 or more eggs daily, preferably from pastured chickens

Additional egg yolks daily, added to smoothies, salad dressings, scrambled eggs, etc.

3-4 ounces fresh liver, once or twice per week (If you have been told to avoid liver for fear of getting “too much Vitamin A,” be sure to read Vitamin A Saga)

Fresh seafood, 2-4 times per week, particularly wild salmon, shellfish and fish eggs

Fresh beef or lamb daily, always consumed with the fat

Oily fish or lard daily, for vitamin D

2 tablespoons coconut oil daily, used in cooking or smoothies, etc.

Lacto-fermented condiments and beverages

Bone broths used in soups, stews and sauces

Soaked whole grains

Fresh vegetables and fruits

AVOID:

Trans fatty acids (e.g., hydrogenated oils)
Junk foods
Commercial fried foods
Sugar
White flour
Soft drinks
Caffeine
Alcohol
Cigarettes
Drugs (even prescription drugs)”

What things have you done to help have a healthy pregnancy? Please share below!

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Filed Under: Motherhood Tagged With: Baby, coconut oil, diet, fat, fermented, Healthy Living, herbs, natural remedies, Pregnancy

About Wellness Mama

Wellness Mama is a full-time housewife with a background in nutrition, journalism and communications. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health through a “Wellness Lifestyle.” She has helped hundreds of clients lose weight, increase athletic performance, improve fertility, and overcome numerous health problems and diseases. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, & Pinterest.

Disclaimer: Many of the links on my site, especially those from Amazon, Mountain Rose Herbs, Tropical Traditions and OraWellness are affiliate links. Should you click on these links and decide to purchase anything, I will receive a small commission and you will have my sincere thanks for supporting Wellness Mama!

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Rebekka

Yay! I’ve been wondering about this lately. A couple years ago I did low-carb quite successfully (lost a lot of weight and felt really good) but fell off the wagon (mmm, candy!). Now I’m 25 weeks into my first pregnancy, which has been pretty carb-heavy so far – I couldn’t stand anything that wasn’t bland and bread-based during my first trimester, and now I crave sweet things. I’ve been working at cutting back because I’m overweight and at risk for GD and a big baby, but have been hesitating about throwing myself into a diet change while pregnant. (Especially because I have some medical issues, so I have lots of contact with health professionals who like to talk about what I eat. My midwife in particular likes to tell me to take it easy with carbohydrates AND make sure I eat lots of whole grains! (What does that even mean??!!))

My earlier low-carb attempt was with a high-protein focus, but I could never come up to the recommended grams of protein for my weight, I simply didn’t have the appetite for it. (Also, I had stomach issues with it, and I really don’t need any extra “stopping” factors while pregnant, thanks.) Would it be better to focus on cutting out grains and sugars and focus on getting enough vegetables and fats with a side of protein, or does the meat really need to be the center of the meal?
Karyn

I had to eat low carb for my second, third, and fourth pregnancies in order to avoid gestational diabetes. This was quite difficult in the first trimester, as Rebekka pointed out, but those labors were short and as easy as labor can be (under one hour for each). I also found my recuperation time quicker when I was eating better. I like that you included that herbal tea – fine herbs, all of them. You could also add red clover.

And to Rebekka, when my blood sugar started creeping up, my holistic OB told me to cut out nearly all of the carbs and I even went into ketosis. I was worried about this but he was very pleased – so I guess it’s okay to make a big diet change during pregnancy!

Blessings to both of you during your pregnancy!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I’d say that cutting out the grains and sugars would be a huge step,
and that you certainly don’t have to force feed yourself protein if
your body doesn’t handle it well. Maybe try entering everything you
eat for a few days into fitday.com though, you might be eating more
protein than you think. The fats are definitely very important
though, so if you are getting those, and limiting the grains/sugars,
you should be fine. Personally, I think a major dietary change during
pregnancy is no problem, especially if it is a change for the better!
Congrats on your pregnancy!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Great input! Thanks for sharing. I’m hoping that this labor will be
shorter and easier than my past ones… and if this pregnancy is any
indication, hopefully it will. Did eating this way keep you from
experiencing the gestational diabetes?
Thanks!
Katie
http://filesofnk6.wordpress.com/ Auntie M

I’m in sort of the same boat, Rebekka. I see 3-4 doctors regularly, including an endocrinologist. Just do what I do. Smile and nod and agree with them, then do what you know is best for your body and baby. They can’t follow you home!

If you’re getting enough fat, that will help. Can you stomach protein powders? I know they’re not ideal, but your baby does need the protein. I agree with W.M.; checking fitday.com first to check your protein intake is a great idea. I’ve heard that Americans get more protein than they think, so maybe you’re doing okay.
Kuwanna

I’m in my second pregnancy and just like the first, I went from a really strict diet to craving all sorts of meats and fat-rich foods. Both times I went through an eggs or omelet for breakfast phase and I have found this time that without enough protein in my breakfast, I’d be feeling sick and needing to eat again before I even left the house! I had an aversion to anything lean, whole grain, and low calorie…anything the mainstream considers ‘healthy’ lol. In my second trimester with my first, all I wanted was lean meats, fruits, and veggies…had a former bread and muffin lover gone Adkins? But it made sense, as my body was asking for what it really needed. So I listened and that is what I ate. And I had a very healthy first pregnancy and though long, a natural and healthy delivery. I’m feeling better these days with my #2 but still find I’d like a meat source with my meals at least twice a day. I’m someone who once was ’vegan until 5:00′ for ’health reasons,’ but these days no longer lactose intolerant, I eat what my body asks for. And I love organic apples.

A friend of mine was just diagnosed with gestational diabetes and has a blood glucose monitor. Her diet has been very carb heavy and I wonder if it may have contributed. I don’t know, but she has made the effort to start limiting her carbs.

Thanks for posting this article, for me it was very timely!
Daria

I’ve never been pregnant but I’m trying to be now. I’m following a Paleo diet now. I’ve heard many good things so far. One of my big fears is that (if I do get pregnant) the hospital would try to push formula if the baby doesn’t “latch” right away. I know the breast milk on a fat rich diet is supposed to be better nutritionally, does it somehow help with the baby taking to breastfeeding?
Karyn

Yes, I avoided the gestational diabetes – my blood sugar levels would only creep up when I started to “cheat” and eat too many carbs. My body definitely responds well to low carb eating. By the way, I think I read on one of your other posts that you are planning on a homebirth – I can’t recommend it enough!
Anne Bogel

I was following a paleo diet when I got pregnant with my fourth, and one of my regrets is not sticking to it. I have issues with hypoglycemia while pregnant, and I realized pretty quickly that I needed to eat more carbs than I’d been accustomed to keep from feeling woozy. I went for granola bars, but it would have been much smarter to do green beans and sweet potatoes!

Eating the junky carb sources during pregnancy made it much harder to resume healthy eating after delivery, not to mention losing the baby weight!

Thanks for sharing this message with expecting ladies, and those who hope to be one day!
Ryandkels

This is maybe slightly off topic… but not too much… I’ve been meaning to ask – I’ve seen on other posts that you sometimes steep stevia leaf with your tea to make a kind of herbal iced tea – what kind of ratio do you use for herbs and stevia leaf? I know too much stevia can taste yucky and bitter, but now that summer is finally here I thought it would be nice to try making some herbal iced tea! (I already drink most of the herbs you mentioned above as a hot tea with celtic sea salt before bed)
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

It depends on which herbs you are mixing with. Generally, I think its
about 8 parts tea to 1 part stevia. For a cup of hot tea, a tiny
pinch works, for a gallon, I add up to a tablespoon or so.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Getting enough good fats (and drinking enough water) will help your
milk come in more quickly and will make the milk more nutrient dense
for the baby. I also make sure to get enough vitamin D, and K,
especially around delivery, as it also makes delivery easier! I would
recommend talking to a good lactation consultant before the baby is
born so you are prepared to help the baby latch… in the end,
remember that it is your child and you can refuse formula or other
treatments you disagree with!
Deborahkwilson

I am 10 wks with my 5th child. I lost the baby weight after each one, but was the fittest and healthiest I have ever been when I got pregnant this time around. Even my husband said I looked the best he’d ever seen me in 12 years! (Maybe that’s why I got pregnant??!) All that because I stopped eating grains, dairy and processed foods. Our family has made a huge change to a more natural lifestyle in every area in that past two years and it’s great! The thing is… now that I’m pregnant I feel awful! I have vomitted every afternoon since I was 7 weeks. I’d like to keep eating right, but the only things that sound good are white rice, mased potatoes, french fries and bagels! Any suggestions to curb my nausea? How do I get enough protein when heavy meats just don’t sound good right now?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

First trimester is tough! I always tried to get some protein in first thing in the morning if possible and then if I didn’t feel like
eating the rest of the day, I didn’t. Sparking water with lemon juice helped a lot, as did ginger pills and a tincture made with ginger, mint, fennel etc. If you do eat more starchy foods, which is fine in pregnancy in moderation, just go with healthy options. For instance: make fried potatoes or sweet potatoes in tallow instead of vegetable oil, or make cauliflower mashed potatoes with lots of salt and
butter. You can also make a lot of alternatives with coconut or
almond flour and get more protein in.
Sally

Hi there. Where do you buy your herbs for the tea? Love to know. Thanks!
Moonluong

how to be healthy during pregnancy?
about your diet, raw foods are not recommended
no alcohol and cafein
http://www.health32.com/tag/healthy pregnacy/
Moonluong

http://www.health32.com/foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy/
Martha Mickelson

Can you recommend any Paleo/Pregnancy links? I know people have talked of it but I’d love to know their meal plans!
Martha Mickelson

Can you recommend any Paleo/Pregnancy links? I know people have talked of it but I’d love to know their meal plans!
DeborahKWilson

I am 16wks with baby #5 and have been following a normal Paleo diet since 9wks. This has been the best I’ve felt during any pregnancy by far! I eat more sweet potatoes and fruit than I might if I were trying to lose or maintain a non-pregnant weight.
Kathy

Good day ladies,

My husband and I are 28 weeks pregnant with our first and super excited to meet our baby girl Emma Grace! I plan on breast feeding exclusively, but just in case, I would like to have a back up plan. Can you recommend any good formulas which do not contain sugar and high fructose corn syrup? I was shocked to see those ingredients among others in infant formulas!

Any advice would greatly be appreciated!:)

Sincerely,

Kathy
Anonymous

Kathy,
My third became ill and couldn’t nurse by 8 months, but would NOT accept any kind of formula. We ended up giving her goat milk. Later we found out she can not tolerate corn in any form. Goat milk with a food-based infant multi vitamin might work for a newborn. We got our milk from a local farmer rather than the store just to be sure of the source. (And it was cheaper, as goat milk is terribly expensive.)
WorkingGal

Thank you so much for blogging about this. I started out with Paleo last month, then 2 weeks into it I find out I was pregnant.

The only time I felt heartburn was when I ate grains and legumes (beans, crackers, etc..) My main meals are veggies and meats (grilled chicken, lamb, etc) and I feel good. I thought something was wrong with me because I was not getting the usual pregnancy symptoms like the other mommies complain about. I do have tender breasts, I constantly drink water, and also I do have some fatigue, but I don’t get nauseous, I’m not constipated, and so far (knock on wood) no headaches.

So thank you Wellness Mama.
Mazaltaj

Wow, you had an unusual OB! Good for you (and for him)!!
Theresa

hey katie! i keep reading conflicting information on red raspberry leaf — and i know your article says to check with your midwife/doctor, but…in your experience, is it safe throughout the first trimester? most seem to agree that it’s fine throughout the 2nd and 3rd…just wondering about the first.
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Hi Theresa… I’ve personally always taken it throughout the whole pregnancy, though only in tea form for the first two trimesters. I’ve seen evidence that it is safe, and my midwife encouraged it also. I wouldn’t take it in supplement or concentrated form in early pregnancy though…
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DNRLQFZJA5TVB6K3IZUHNU3FBA RaymondM

I just started eating more naturally about a month ago (i still struggle with cheating on the grains & sugar though but am eating a LOT better than I was a month ago). I also just found out that I am pregnant with my 7th & I am REALLY hoping that my morning sickness this time around will be a LOT more manageable. My previous 6 were all not so great… 4 of them were actually so bad I couldn’t get out of bed except to throw up for about 2 months… reading some of these posts are giving me extra motivation to stay away from the grains & sugary stuff though! Would it be okay to eat Larabars & chobani fruit yogurts for snacks (my sweet tooth!) or should I stay away from them for at least the 1st trimester? I’m only 2 weeks pregnant now…
Mazalta

Hi RaymondM,
I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy (maybe 6 more weeks to go), and although I have finally gotten to be a leeetle less sensitive, if I over do it still (like two pieces of Ezekial toast today) I STILL feel the effects!

My morning sickness has always started about month 2. I recommend staying as pure as you can with your diet for now (I find that sugar cravings often indicate that I’m tired — better to take a nap, if you can — though with 6 kids already, this may not be an option!). You have to have a base line. Then if you “cheat,” you’ll feel and notice the effects. Often the first signs for me are a funny taste in my mouth, a sensation that I describe as “fuzzy” on my insides and sometimes sudden sleepiness. When I’m very sensitive, the effect will be to keep me from sleeping most of the night (often with heart burn), indigestion, and nausea/vomiting. I had a piece of really simple quinoa toast about a month ago that sent me into a vomiting realm reminiscent of early pregnancy. I also noticed some signs of edema recently after I ate some things I know I shouldn’t. I was rubbing the fleshy side of my shin bone in one spot for awhile (was trying to activate an acupuncture point), and when I stopped, there was a dent in my skin (ie, edema — even though I wasn’t swelling in my ankles or fingers yet). So, there are various ways that your body will tell you that you aren’t processing things properly and need to modify your diet more (or again).

It all just depends on how sensitive you are. But my advice is tow the line as best you can, for as long as you can and see what difference that makes first.
Veronica

I’m curious – do you eat raw cheese during pregnancy? I try to only eat raw dairy typically, but am not sure about the cheese while pregnant…. However, if I have never gotten sick from raw dairy while not pregnant then what are the chances it will happen while I am pregnant…? Thanks!
Dana

Personally I wouldn’t risk raw dairy…a couple of months before this pregnancy I was regularly drinking raw milk from a local farm (which I thought very highly of). I loved it! Unfortunately, the milk became contaminated with campylobacter and all of us who had been consuming it became very ill for a number of days. The scary thing is that there can be neurological side effects! I know this is rare, but it happened to us. Before going through this I probably would have felt the same as you, but now I’d never touch it if I was pregnant. I will probably drink raw milk again though after this baby.
Ashbash88

So I just found out that I’m pregnant and I am overwhelmed with what to do as far as diet, supplements, etc… I was in the process of going organic when I found out and it has sort of halted my plans lol I was wondering what foods should I while I’m pregnant and if I should take the prenatal vitamins? Women were having healthy babies wayyyy before they started prescribing them and I don’t think it’s necessary if you eat properly. Also, I don’t really want to eat too many animal products…So would eating a diet consisting mainly of nuts, fruits, and veggies be enough to supply me and my child with the necessary nutrients to have a safe pregnancy???
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Do you eat eggs? Those are wonderful during pregnancy and the choline is great for baby’s development. You want to get at least 80-100 grams of protein a day during pregnancy to reduce the risk of preclampsia and other problems, and that is harder to do without animal products. I’d definitely include eggs if you are not going to eat meat. You don’t need a multivitamin necessarily, but if you have a high quality one, It wouldn’t be bad to take either. If you just found out, I’d take 800 mcgs of folic acid for at least the next month or so, as the spine development happens within the first 28 days and that alone can reduce the risk of spina bifida. Make sure to get in tons of healthy fats (coconut oil, avocado, olive oil, etc- no canola, peanut, vegetable oils) so baby has enough for brain and tissue development and get some good sun to get your vitamin D. Best of luck!
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Sarah

what are your thoughts on decaffeinated coffee? Im a huge fan of coffee, and it seems like one cup a day just isnt enough. I dont drink it for energy, its more of a relaxing drink, and it suppresses my appetite whenever I want to eat out of boredom, but I dont want to drink more than one cup a day because I dont want to put my baby at risk, would decaffeinated be a good replacement? or would it actually be worse, because I know its processed, but im not sure what process is used to remove the caffeine and if its healthy or not… thoughts?
Sarah

Hey Wellness Mama, I’m about 9-10 weeks pregnant, and sick all the time. I’ve been eating semi-paleo (meaning I do include grains on occation, but rarely, and always non-gmo) for almost a year now. There wasnt hardly a vegetable I didnt like, I loved eggs, and pretty much any kind of meat except pork… but now… I just cant handle any of those things, the smell of meat, eggs,vegetables, anything like that just sends me to the toilet puking my guts up. I litterally cannot stand eggs anymore, and that used to be a daily thing, one of my main sources of protein. The only thing I can even remotely stomach now are things like organic crackers, etc… and I hate that.. I try to stay away from grains as much as possible, or I did.. but now its either eat that.. or throw up everyday… Any advice would be so appreciated… because I absolutely feel like Im destroying mine and my baby’s health by eating so many grains, and not enough veggies and meat, but I just cant seem to stomach anything else
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Hi Sarah… I’ve been there too and it is rough. On the one hand, know that the high levels of HCG in your blood are going to mobilize fat, protein and nutrients to feed your baby, so he or she should still be getting everything. Too much protein in early pregnancy can be a bad thing, though enough is important. Hopefully, the nausea will fade in a few weeks. In the meantime, can you eat fruit? coconut flour muffins? homemade coconut flour pancakes or waffles? homemade crackers? Even if you can just drink a smoothie, that would be better than nothing right now. As miserable as it is, don’t worry about forcing your body to eat foods it can’t stand right now, it will just make it harder to eat them later. Keep your fluids up and eat what you can, avoiding the really bad offenders (wheat, sugars, high fructose corn syrup, etc) if at all possible. Things like peppermint tea or organic ginger capsules may also help calm the nausea… hang in there!
Sarah

I never thought about trying a fruit smoothie. The thought of one doesn’t make me gag; Ill definitely see if I’m able to stomach it. Though I don’t usually use coconut flour ( its a little on the expensive side) I should probably try to make some nut butter “cupcakes” or something like that. I used to make a carrot or pumpkin cake using raw nut butter an eggs as the “flour” The only thing that I have trouble with is feeling well enough to even get up to cook. I’ve been trying to sip some lemon ginger tea, because I know how ginger is good for an upset stomach… but I have to say, ginger really isn’t my favorite :/ But Ill try to down a smoothie, and see about some cupcakes. Thank you!
ISA

Have you heard of Teeccino? If not, check it out! It’s an herbal coffee (organic, no caffeine, non-acidic) and I was amazed with the fact that it actually tastes like coffee (it just doesn’t smell like coffee when you’re making it)!
Sara

I’ve had digestive/health problems for 12 years since being exposed to toxic mold in college. I have a 9 month old baby with congenital hypothyroidism, which from my research looks like it could be linked to the toxic mold in my system. I’ve been following the Paleo diet about 3 years with some success, but still having trouble with allergies and major fatigue. I recently discovered the gaps diet and think it would help me a lot. I started drinking water kefir and taking Primal Defense. About a week later, I found out I’m newly pregnant. I have been experiencing some die-off symptoms, but I also have more energy than I have in a long time. Is die-off harmful to the baby? Is water kefir okay? I’m concerned about the alcohol content. And I’ve found mixed things about Primal Defense and pregnancy. Please give me information about die-off, especially during the first trimester. I am concerned about it, but I know doing nothing is also leaving my baby in a toxic environment, as I have major digestive problems, allergies, gas and bloating. Is it better to treat or wait?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I’d ask your doc or midwife on any supplements. My personal philosophy is that I don’t try to detox during pregnancy or nursing, but will try to eat healthier, even if it causes mild die off, since in the long run, it gives the baby a healthier environment. I do drink water kefir during pregnancy, as the alcohol is less than that in an over-ripe banana. Congrats on your pregnancy!
Jess

You mention taking folic acid in this post but in a more recent post mention folate NOT folic acid because it is synthetic. Which do you recommend?
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I just updated the post… I wrote this before I learned about the difference, but you are absolutely right that folate is better…
Michele B

Hello. We are trying to conceive our 3rd child. Can you help me with what supplements I should start now to start conceiving in about a month? Cod liver oil with a multi vitamin with a folate supplement and vit D supplement? Is that too much. This does tend to get overwhelming but I am 35 so I want to do this right since I am getting up there in age. Thank you!
sarah

I struggled with getting pregnant for years. I took fertility drugs to get pregnant with my first 3, and sadly I miscarried the 2nd and 3rd babies. I then took fertility drugs for the first 6 months of 2012 and got absolutely nowhere. I gave up on trying, then in Sept last year I discovered this blog and completely changed my diet and lifestyle. At the beginning of Dec, we got a huge surprise! I am now 16 weeks pregnant with our second daughter. this really, really works!
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

Thank you so much for sharing your story and congrats on your pregnancy!
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http://www.facebook.com/toni.stoothoff Toni Stoothoff

I just found out I am pregnant yesterday. We are very excited, but nervous. I had a miscarriage last year on Valentine’s Day. I have PCOS and hypothyroidism. I have been having cramps for the past week. I do not have any bleeding. Has anyone ever had this? I have a dr appt on Friday.
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Kathleen Batalden Smith

Hi Katie, I’m taking FCLO and high vitamin butter oil daily and I’m 7 weeks pregnant. This is my first pregnancy in which I’m taking these supplements, and I’m worried about hemorrhaging from too much FCLO and not enough of the ARA animal fats (as WAPF cautions in their program for optimal pregnancy). I eat a good amount of eggs and good quality beef/pork/chicken (no liver). Do you know if the butter oil also provides those ARA fats to address the risk of hemorrhaging? I don’t want to stop taking FCLO, but the risk of hemorrhaging is scary…

THANK YOU for doing all that you do; I don’t know where I’d be without your blog
http://wellnessmama.com Wellness Mama

I always just stop taking it in the last few weeks of pregnancy and make sure to eat liver 2x/week to keep levels up. I also take alfalfa at the end of pregnancy and I”ve always had very little bleeding… Congrats!
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Optimal Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Pregnancy