Pregnant and Lactating Women
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Whether you are anxiously awaiting your new arrival or are enjoying those precious beginnings with your newborn, there are several important nutritional considerations for the health of both you and your baby. However, before deciding to take anything, it is essential that you are under the care of a healthcare provider, whether it be a doctor, midwife, or other educated health professional. Creating a personalized health plan that addresses your unique needs is essential. General recommendations include:
MULTIVITAMIN/MULTIMINERAL
A prenatal multivitamin/mineral supplement is created specifically to meet the nutritional requirements before, during, and after pregnancy. Increased amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and folic acid are added to support the health of the mother and developing child.
• Recommended - Pathway Prenatal Plus
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
Women are at a substantial risk for developing post-partum depression following childbirth. This is because during the last few months of pregnancy as the baby’s brain increases threefold it consumes the mother’s essential fatty acids (EFAs). Replacing those EFAs is necessary during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Studies also show that infants of mothers who added EFAs to their diet had higher mental processing scores, psycho-motor development, hand-eye coordination, and visual acuity.
• Recommended - Pathway Super Omega-3
• Recommended - Pathway Neuromins™ DHA
PROBIOTICS
Taking probiotics during helps to pass along necessary beneficial bacteria to the baby during pregnancy and breast-feeding. These beneficial bacteria aid in supporting the baby’s developing immune system. Probiotics also help to maintain a healthy intestinal tract and to keep unfriendly bacteria in from thriving.
• Recommended - Pathway Suprema-dophilus
BONE NUTRIENTS
Pregnant women have increased needs for calcium and other minerals, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy. Developing babies require extra amounts of vitamins and minerals for the healthy development of their bones. Breast feeding mothers also require an increased amount of calcium for milk production.
• Recommended - Pathway Bone Guardian
*The information in this reference document is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition.
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