Planning a Pregnancy?

There are many ways a Naturopath can support you throughout your journey into motherhood.

Supplements are one of the starting points for planning for a healthy pregnancy.

Always consult a doctor at least 3-4 months before you start trying for a baby.

When to start taking supplements?

Before you start trying, take pre-pregnancy supplements for 3 months. Some supplements are recommended to take throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Why take supplements three months before conception?

Egg Development: It takes three to four months for eggs to mature before ovulation (the release of a mature egg from an ovary).

Nutrient Stores: Building up necessary nutrient levels take time to build up in the body and so three months ensures the stores are sufficient at the moment of conception.

What supplements are recommended?

Folic acid 400-500mg daily

Folic acid is needed to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Take throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Iodine 150-220 micrograms daily for the baby's brain development. Take throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Choline 450-550mg daily for supporting fetal brain development and cognitive function. Take throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Prenatal vitamins may or may not contain the adequate amounts of folic acid, iodine and choline, so purchasing separate formulations may be required.

Your doctor may recommend:

Iron (if you have iron deficiency or anemia following a prenatal blood test)

Vitamin D (if you are low following a prenatal blood test)

Omega 3 supplementation (if your diet is inadequate or an aversion to seafood high in omega 3).

In addition to supplementation, ensure you are eating a high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, fish, seafood, unprocessed meats, dairy foods and water. Reduce the intake of sweetened foods and drinks, foods high in saturated fats (e.g. fried foods), processed meats and refined grains.

References:

Living Evidence for Australian Pregnancy and Postnatal care. (2026). Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines [PDF]. https://files.magicapp.org/guideline/cfcd6f51-48a4-43d0-95ab-9a27448d79fc/published_guideline_9342-4_2.pdf