Thinking of Becoming Pregnant? Plan Ahead for the Health of Your Baby

In 2015 the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) updated their folic acid recommendations. They now recommend that women who are planning to become pregnant and have no personal health risks should eat a good diet of folate-rich foods and take a daily multivitamin with 0.4 mg of folic acid. This is reduced from the previous recommendation of 1mg folic acid per day. Women should begin this at least two to three months before conception and continue throughout pregnancy, the postpartum period (4-6 weeks) and for as long as breastfeeding continues.

Prenatal supplements like Prenatal Easymulti® from Platinum Naturals are specially formulated with increased levels of specific nutrients that are needed to support a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby. These nutrients include:

  1. Folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, to aid in the formation of new cells and the baby’s nervous system.
  2. DHA, essential for the baby's brain and retina development.
  3. Vitamin B6 for fetal development and as an effective remedy for nausea and vomiting.
  4. Iron for making hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen to the cells.
  5. Vitamin D for supporting the immune system and building healthy bones.
Get Informed

Many popular brands of prenatal vitamins have added ingredients such as binders, coatings, disintegrants, emulsifiers, flavourings, preservatives and sweeteners, artificial colours and fillers. Some of these ingredients, such as titanium dioxide, a colouring agent, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), an additive to preserve colour, odour and taste, may be associated with adverse health effects. Others, such as red dye (FD&C red no. 40), are potential allergens. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a prenatal vitamin. It simply means that you need to be careful and choose a supplement, like Prenatal Easymulti, that doesn’t include unwanted ingredients.

Get Relief

“Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) affects 50-80 per cent of all pregnant women and ranges from mild to severe cases. Many women do not seek treatment because they are worried about the safety of medications. However, the recognition and management of NVP can have a profound effect on improving women’s health and their quality of life during pregnancy and there are many safe and effective pharma and nonpharmacological options available,” says Dr. Blake, CEO, of SOGC. Vitamin B6 is a safe option that may relieve symptoms, according to the SOGC. Other safe options include ginger and self-administered acupressure.

Get Going

Prenatal care starts before you even become pregnant. In addition to getting the supplements you need, this is a good time to focus on building healthy habits so that you’re ready for baby’s arrival. Eating well, cutting smoking and alcohol and being active regularly can help improve fertility for both men and women, not to mention help you feel your best. You want what’s best for you and your baby so it’s never too early to start planning for a healthy pregnancy!