Did you know that a majority of pregnant women are not meeting expectations for key nutrients?
That's why the number-one recommendation I have when anyone comes to me trying to get pregnant is to get their nutrient status up with high-quality prenatal supplements. The issue with most of the prenatals they use ingredients that are not bio-available, which means the body can’t fully absorb or utilize them. Other nutrients, like vitamin D, fall short on doses that are needed to make an actual impact.
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that more than 90% of dietary supplements DO NOT provide key nutrients in the doses needed to support pregnant women. This not only puts their health at risk but the health of their future baby at risk. Even with a thoughtfully planned diet, prenatal supplements are critical before, during, and even after pregnancy for healthy fetal and child development.
Fortunately, WeNatal is raising the bar in the prenatal industry. They have created a prenatal supplement with comprehensive formulas backed by the latest science and research. Plus, with only three capsules, WeNatal makes it easy to stay consistent with a supplement routine to meet the correct nutrient quality and quantity needed throughout your fertility journey.
Here are a few nutrients that stand out in WeNatal (and are often left out of other prenatal formulas):
- Folate: WeNatal uses methylfolate, the active form of folate that can be easily used by the body, to protect both mom and baby before, during, and after pregnancy. Women need folate for healthy ovulation and egg development. Folate helps prevent miscarriages, spinal cord injuries, and fetal brain injuries.
- Choline: Choline is key for a baby’s spinal cord and brain development, gene expression, and tissue production. Getting enough choline, especially in the third trimester, may actually boost a baby's cognitive function later in life. Yet it’s often left out of, or found in low doses in, most prenatals. This is why WeNatal includes 400mg of choline, which is one of the highest doses you can find in any prenatal on the market.
- Iron: Iron is often left out of other prenatal formulas. And you should know that not all iron is created equal. WeNatal contains Ferrochel iron, a patented, chelated form of nonheme iron that passes through the stomach and small intestine without breaking apart. This has been shown to be more efficiently absorbed by the body and helps prevent GI issues.
Benefits of Prenatals & Omega-3s Postpartum
Pregnancy takes a toll on a mother's nutrient status, so the postpartum period is really a time to focus on healing from within by prioritizing whole foods and maintaining a solid relationship with your prenatal supplements. Especially while breastfeeding, you'll want to double down on the nutrient-density of your meals, in addition to taking high-quality supplements for some extra nutrient insurance.
Generally, it is recommended to continue taking your prenatal six months after giving birth or for as long as you are producing milk and breastfeeding. Studies show that continuing to take a pre or postnatal vitamin with folate, DHA, and Vitamin D is critical for baby's brain development, processing skills and visual acuity. Healthy postpartum Omega-3 levels are also critical for breast milk nutrient content, maternal mood, brain function, hormone balance, and overall postpartum recovery. Plus, research shows that not only does DHA improve mental focus, reduce inflammation and the risk of postpartum depression, it also provides for better brain and visual development of your baby.
Looking to Get Pregnant?
Another key nutrient in improving fertility in both men and women is omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in reducing inflammation in the reproductive system. Many studies support the benefits of omega-3 fat intake for male and female fertility, suggesting a positive effect on sperm quality, natural conception, and IVF outcomes.
Women are just part of the equation (and I’m not just talking about the act of making a baby!). The research consistently shows men account for 50 percent of infertility and miscarriage. We know from clinical research studies that antioxidants can boost testosterone and support sperm health. That's why WeNatal includes supplements for both men AND women.
- Women and men need omega-3s to help support hormone production and reproductive systems, reduce inflammation along with supporting brain health and mood.
- Omega-3s are essential for overall female health and supplementing omega-3s may help support healthy egg quality, delay ovarian aging, and improve pregnancy rates.
- Research has found that men who had higher levels of omega-3s in their sperm had better sperm quality, including higher sperm count and motility and had higher total semen volume and higher levels of testosterone
- Improve baby's eye and brain growth and early development. Taking in enough omega-3s can lower a baby's chances of getting asthma and other allergic conditions.
- Research has found that women who took omega-3 supplements had increased levels of progesterone, a hormone that plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
Getting enough omega-3s is hard to get through food alone, so supplementation is key. Unfortunately, most fish oil supplements on the market do not contain the ideal omega-3 ratio of EPA and DHA. Even worse, 10% of fish oil supplements on the market are rancid and 20% have been oxidized - which can cause more harm than good.
My #1 Recommended Omega-3 Supplement:
WeNatal Omega DHA+ is a high-quality fish oil made from wild caught & sustainable sources with no artificial additives, flavors or colors. Containing a therapeutic dose of 600 mg of DHA and 120 mg of EPA. WeNatal Omega DHA+ is easy-to-swallow, serving size is 2 smaller soft gels with no aftertaste. It’s third-party tested for contaminants including heavy metals, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Receive a FREE 30-day supply of WeNatal’s Omega DHA+ fish oil ($34.95 value) with purchase of any prenatal subscription through my link at WeNatal.com!
Even if you are not planning on having a baby soon, chances are you know someone who is. I encourage you to share this information with your friends, your family, your neighbors, and even your children.
