PREGNANCY PREP

// By Kimberley Kemp

In order to create a sustainable environment that allows our babies to flourish and grow, we need to stop and take a closer look at our preconceived ideas surrounding fertility, pregnancy and birth.

Our health is directly affected by our environment, to such an extent that everything we eat, drink, think and breathe affects our dynamic genetic expression in real-time. While this may seem daunting, it is also incredibly empowering. You are in control of your health, and certain predisposed conditions don’t have to be your fate. By actively participating

in your pregnancy health prep, you can start to eliminate unwanted toxins, optimise your gut health, correct imbalances and reduce stress to create a life-sustaining environment for your baby.

Studies have shown that chemical exposure and its epigenetic effects can be passed down generationally. In other words, your toxic load may directly be transferred to your child. A study commissioned by the Environmental Working Group discovered over 200 types of chemicals in the blood of the umbilical cords of newborns.

Toxins are mostly unavoidable: they are in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. Harsh personal care products and home cleaning products contain endocrine disruptors that may result in subfertility, infertility, improper hormone production, menstrual cycle abnormalities, anovulation, and early reproductive senescence (ageing).

While the body is equipped to detoxify naturally, it is not prepared to purge your system of such extreme levels of toxic exposure. That is why cleansing should be one of the first steps you take on your journey towards pregnancy.

CLEANSE

It takes 100 days for an egg to mature before it gets fertilised. As such, the environment within which your egg grows and matures during this time can impact fertility and the health of your baby. Experts recommend that a deep cleanse should take place at least 100 days before falling pregnant.

HERE ARE SOME GENTLE WAYS TO CLEANSE YOUR BODY ON A DAILY BASIS:

*Reduce your exposure to unwanted toxins by switching to natural personal care and cleaning products. *Eliminate processed foods and eat organically. *Make sure you have at least one bowel movement per day. *Maintain a 12-hour overnight fast to give your body the time it needs to detoxify. *Incorporate an extended intermittent fast two or three times a week. *Drink lots of pure water, especially first thing in the morning. *Eat more plants and, if you eat meat, ensure it is top quality (grass-fed). *Drink teas that support the liver and kidneys (e.g., liquorice, burdock and dandelion).

FAST

Extended fasts allow the body to divert its energy from digestion and assimilation in order to cleanse cellular junk (toxins and dead cell parts) and recycle misfolded proteins to make healthy new cells.

Fasting has plenty of health benefits. It may…

*Reduce inflammation *Give the gut lining time to heal *Break down bad habits *Support the body’s detoxification *Reset the immune system

When breaking a fast, make sure to incorporate nourishing foods that can help to replace minerals and fuel the gut with prebiotic fibre.

VITAMINS & MINERALS

A healthy vitamin and mineral balance is essential for fertility, healthy growth, the development of the foetus, and the health of the mother during pregnancy and the fourth trimester. By maximising your body’s intake of the right vitamins and minerals through food and highquality food-form supplementation, you can ensure that you heal and rebalance your gut microbiome and overall health to properly prepare for pregnancy.

Some essential vitamins and minerals include...

Folate

May help to protect the rapidly dividing cells of a foetus and to prevent neural tube defects.

Zinc

May help to support healthy foetal development, make new cells, protect against oxidative damage and keep your eggs healthy.

Vitamin B12

May help to prevent birth defects. Low levels of vitamin B12 are associated with miscarriage and infertility.

Vitamin D3

May help to protect against serious complications of pregnancy, such as premature delivery, pre-eclampsia and high blood sugar. A sufficient vitamin D status may support healthy development of the foetus.

Omega 3 Fish Oil (Heavy Metal-Free)

Omega 3 is known for its role in the development of the brain and retinas. It may also play a role in determining the length of gestation and in preventing perinatal depression.

Iodine

This mineral is sourced from organic sea kelp. It may help the foetus to develop normally. An iodine deficiency has been associated with lower IQ, ADHD, depression, cretinism and poor bone maturation.

Pre- and Probiotics (Multi-Strain)

May be useful in repairing and rebalancing the gut. Eating more plants that are high in prebiotic fibre can help to facilitate healing.

All told, it’s fairly simple: clear out the toxic elements in your environment, cleanse your body, and nourish it with high-quality food and supplements.

Well done - you’re well on your way to start the exciting journey of a healthy pregnancy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Kemp is a nutritional coach and co-founder of Healthy Hunnies. Visit www.healthyhunnies.com for more information, or to get in touch.

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