Navigating My Fourth Pregnancy: A Naturopath Student's Wellness Journey

As I approach the end of my fourth pregnancy, I'm thrilled to share my experience, particularly as a naturopath student. Unlike my third pregnancy, this time around, I've discovered a renewed sense of well-being and motivation. In this blog post, I'll highlight the supplements that have played a crucial role in supporting me throughout this incredible journey.

Preconception:

Before conceiving, I prioritised my health with Ora CellProtect Complex. This exceptional product not only enhances energy production but also fills nutritional gaps and combats free radicals—a perfect foundation for anyone planning to conceive. However, if you are organised (unlike myself!), I would recommend trying the Preconception multivitamins by NaturoBest; you can even get some specifically formulated for your partner in crime.

First Trimester:

Upon confirming my pregnancy, I transitioned to NaturoBest's Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger. This supplement, enriched with vitamin B5 and ginger, provided the essential nutritional support required during the initial months and helped alleviate the horrid morning sickness. Thankfully, I managed to steer clear of any nausea with a combination of the prenatals and ensuring regular meals. To combat the fatigue typical of early pregnancy, I incorporated Foraged for You, The Mothers Blend, into my routine, blending it into smoothies or enjoying it with pineapple juice.

Second and Third Trimesters:

Around the 13th week, I switched to NaturoBest Prenatal Trimester 2 & 3 plus Breastfeeding after finishing a 120-pack of Trimester 1. Given my historically low iron levels, I began taking NaturoBest Iron & Brain every other evening. Addressing insomnia and muscle cramps, I introduced Calcium & Magnesium Plus K2 & D3 into my daily routine—a delicious midday ritual. For moments when sleep proved elusive, or I forgot my magnesium drink, Ora's Mag3 Complete served as a quick and effective magnesium top-up. Whenever backaches reminded me to focus on my omega-3 intake, I turned to Ora’s Clean Omega D. Additionally, I prioritise immune health with a probiotic which is aligned with clinical studies to prevent atopic eczema in infants (Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 strain) (Probiotic Advisor, n.d.).

Dealing with Viruses in Trimesters Two and Three:

While the first trimester spared me from viruses, the second and third brought a few unwelcome guests, likely courtesy of my children. To fortify my immune system and maintain 80% functionality, I implemented the following strategies:

1. Prioritising earlier bedtimes.
2. Incorporating NaturoBest's Ultimate Vitamin C & Bioflavonoids into smoothies or as a refreshing drink throughout the day.
3. Leveraging additional immune support from herbal tea blends and syrups containing herbs such as echinacea, thyme and elderberries, and a dose of manuka honey to soothe an irritated throat.

Amidst the challenges of pregnancy, particularly as a student and mother of three, these supplements have been invaluable companions on my journey. When the demands of preparing nutritionally rich meals for the entire family felt overwhelming, these supportive measures ensured I was still providing my body and baby with essential nutrients. Though I may not have adhered to every supplement consistently—life does have its interruptions— it's important to emphasise that even a modest amount of extra nutritional support can make a significant difference during pregnancy. So, while the routine may seem extensive to some, rest assured that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a healthier and more balanced pregnancy experience.