A woman’s body goes through immense change during pregnancy.
Growing a baby from your own blood and tissue is hard work!
Iron, Iodine, Folate, Vitamin D, Zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are some of the most common deficiencies during pregnancy.
This is because the demand for these nutrients are SO HIGH!
By spending a quality amount of time eating foods that are rich in these nutrients; aiming for fresh whole foods, with plenty of vitamins, minerals, high quality fats and protein, it will help to reduce the risk of deficiencies during pregnancy and postpartum.
It will help to ensure that your body is overflowing with nutrients, and increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
Below are 7 Fertility Superfoods to consider for your preconception phase, pregnancy and beyond!!
- Liver:
Best source of fat soluble vitamins, folate, vitamin B12, choline, magnesium & zinc.
Supports growth of baby, immunity, boosts neurological development, reduces risk of anaemia during pregnancy. - Wild Caught Seafood:
Great sources of fat soluble vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), iodine & zinc.
Low mercury fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel. Oysters & cod liver oil.
Encourages blood flow to uterus, supports brain health of Mum & brain development of baby. - Full-Fat Dairy:
Provides vitamin A, D3, K2, calcium & choline.
Plays important role in development of babies bones, teeth, muscles & heart. Supports bone health of Mum by ensuring calcium stores are over flowing. - Eggs (with the yolks):
Source of protein, choline, DHA, folate, B vitamins, iodine and antioxidants.
Enhances brain development of baby, improves vascular function of placenta and reduce risk of preeclampsia. - Slow Cooked Beef:
Rich in connective tissue, amino acids, glycine, protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B6 & B12.
Glycine needs increase dramatically during pregnancy. Important for development of baby and growth of uterus. - Variety of Colourful Vegetables:
Source of folate, magnesium, potassium, fibre, vitamin C, beta-carotene & antioxidants.
Assists in the formation of baby's heart & circulatory system & helps reduce risk of certain birth defects. - Fermented Foods:
Rich in probiotic bacteria to improve gut health, stimulate vaginal microenvironment, reduce toxins in the body, and promote healthy microbiome & immunity for baby.
All of these nourishing foods helped lay out the foundation of my preconception journey, and continued into my pregnancy and postpartum phase.
As best as possible, source organic - Aiming for fresh, whole, colourful, unprocessed foods in a natural state and free of chemical sprays.