Your Simple Prenatal Plan: A Naturopathic Guide to Getting Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ivy Branin Naturopathic Doctor at Simplicity Health Associates.
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As a naturopathic doctor and expert in women's health and hormones, a topic that is frequently on the minds of many of my patients is a simple, effective prenatal plan for those who are ready to start family planning.
This guide is specifically for women who are not trying to get pregnant in their 40s and don't have any major fertility challenges but want to ensure their bodies are in the best possible state for a healthy pregnancy. I’ve found that many people are looking for a straightforward plan to optimize their health before conception.
All my supplement recommendations can be easily accessed through Fullscript. If this is your first time ordering from us through Fullscript, you'll receive 10% off your entire supplement order, as a special offer.
If you are interested in specially learning more about how to improve women’s egg quality in your 40s, consider reading this blog post.
The Importance of Pre-Conception Preparation
One of the most crucial pieces of advice I can give is to begin any prenatal supplement regimen at least 2 to 3 months before you start trying to get pregnant. This is because a lot of vital development happens during the first month of pregnancy, a time when many people aren't even aware they're pregnant. By starting early, you ensure your body has optimal levels of specific nutrients that are absolutely essential for a healthy pregnancy from day one.
The following are the core supplements I recommend for this pre-conception period:
A Comprehensive Multivitamin
I highly recommend the FemOne™ by Metabolic Maintenance multivitamin. There are several reasons why this is a cornerstone of a simple prenatal plan:
Methylated Folate: It contains the optimal amount of folate in its most active form—methylated folate. Many people have a genetic variation that prevents them from properly activating standard folic acid. Folate is one of the most crucial B vitamins for a healthy pregnancy, and supplementing beforehand is key.
Iodine: Iodine is essential for healthy thyroid function, which plays a critical role in both fertility and a successful pregnancy.
Optimal Iron Stores: This multivitamin includes iron to help ensure your iron stores (measured by ferritin) are above 50 before you get pregnant. Optimal iron levels are important for preventing anemia, which has been linked to pre-term labor and lower birth weight.
Vitamin D: It also contains Vitamin D, which is vital for fertility and pregnancy. Interestingly, even sperm have Vitamin D receptors, making it important for male fertility as well. We want to ensure your Vitamin D levels are around 50 before conception.
Simplicity: Unlike many other prenatal vitamins, FEM One is just one capsule a day, making it easy to remember and stick with.
A High-Quality Omega-3
My next recommendation is ProOmega® 2000-D by Nordic Naturals. This supplement is packed with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a critical omega-3 fatty acid.
Baby's Brain Development: DHA is fundamental for the healthy development of your baby’s brain, both in utero and during lactation.
Mom's Mood: It's also incredibly important for supporting the mother's mood, especially in preventing postpartum depression.
By taking this supplement before you get pregnant, you're building up the reserves needed for a healthy start for both you and your baby.
A Supportive Probiotic
The final supplement on this simple prenatal plan is the Ther-Biotic® Women's Probiotic by Klaire Labs/SFI Health. Taking a probiotic might not be the first thing you think of for fertility, but it's incredibly important.
Preventing Infection: Having optimal vaginal flora is key to preventing infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis (BV), or group B strep.
Avoiding Antibiotics: We want to ensure your body's defenses are strong to avoid the need for antibiotics during pregnancy, as many are contraindicated. This probiotic helps create an optimal environment to support a healthy, infection-free pregnancy.
If you are interested in specially learning more about Male Fertility, consider reading this blog post.
Take the Next Step Towards a Healthy Pregnancy
By starting this simple plan of a high-quality multivitamin, a potent omega-3, and a supportive probiotic 2 to 3 months before you start trying, you are giving yourself and your future baby the best possible foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
All the supplements I’ve recommended are available through Fullscript. And remember, if you're a new customer, you'll receive 10% off your first order!
Interested in learning more about the recommended diet for fertility? Consider reading this blog post.
Your Journey to Parenthood Starts Here
Taking proactive steps to prepare your body for pregnancy is a powerful and loving way to begin your journey to parenthood. At Simplicity Health Associates, we're dedicated to empowering you with the personalized knowledge and tools you need to create a healthy foundation for conception and beyond.
If you’re ready to optimize your health with a clear and simple prenatal plan, our naturopathic approach can make a profound difference. Both myself, Dr. Ivy Branin, and Dr. Pauline Hoang are passionate about guiding our patients through a comprehensive, individualized plan to prepare their bodies for a healthy and vibrant pregnancy.
Ready to build the best possible foundation for your future family?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best plan for pregnancy?
The best plan for pregnancy is a holistic one that focuses on preparing your body long before conception. This involves not only taking the right supplements—like a high-quality prenatal vitamin with methylated folate, a potent omega-3 supplement, and a good probiotic—but also making foundational lifestyle choices. This includes eating a nutrient-dense diet, managing stress, ensuring you get enough rest, and engaging in light, regular exercise. By focusing on these areas 2 to 3 months before you start trying to conceive, you are setting the stage for a healthy pregnancy and a smooth postpartum period.
What is the most important prenatal supplement to take when trying to get pregnant?
While all the supplements in this plan are important, if I had to choose the most crucial one, it would be a high-quality prenatal multivitamin with methylated folate. Folate is a B vitamin that is essential for preventing neural tube defects in a baby, and starting supplementation at least two to three months before conception is vital. The methylated form is particularly important because it ensures your body can properly utilize the nutrient, regardless of your genetic makeup.
Why do I need to start taking prenatal supplements so early?
Starting prenatal supplements two to three months before you begin trying to get pregnant is essential for two main reasons. First, it takes time to build up optimal nutrient stores in your body, especially for key nutrients like folate, iron, and vitamin D. Second, much of the foundational development of a baby happens in the very first month of pregnancy—a time when you may not even know you're pregnant yet. By taking supplements early, you ensure your body is a nutrient-rich environment from the moment of conception.
Can men take prenatal supplements too?
The Pro Omega 2000D is an excellent supplement that can benefit men as well. The DHA in the omega-3 is good for overall health. While the FEM One multivitamin is formulated for women, men can take a similar high-quality multivitamin to support their overall health and fertility. This is especially true for Vitamin D, as it plays a role in sperm function.
Is it safe to take a probiotic while trying to get pregnant?
Yes, it is very safe and highly recommended to take a probiotic while trying to get pregnant. The goal of using a probiotic like Theobiotic Women is to support a healthy balance of flora in the body, particularly in the vaginal tract. A balanced microbiome helps prevent infections such as urinary tract infections or bacterial vaginosis, which can be an issue during pregnancy. By establishing a healthy environment beforehand, you are actively working to avoid potential complications and the need for antibiotics later on.
Book An Appointment
If you're concerned about remaining healthy, or may suspect that there is an underlying health concern, our team at Simplicity Health Associates are dedicated to helping you navigate this journey through personalized, holistic treatment plans.
About Dr Ivy Branin
Dr Ivy Branin is a Naturopathic Doctor in NYC who received her degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering and a minor in French from Rutgers University. After graduating from Rutgers, she worked for 3 years as a process validation engineer in the pharmaceutical industry in New York and Connecticut.
As a naturopathic doctor in NYC, Dr Branin does not approach disease with a “one-size fits all” perspective but rather sees each patient as an individual with their own potential for optimal health. She supports people in their desire to feel good and good about themselves using the naturopathic principles of dietary and lifestyle management, homeopathy, visceral manipulation, botanical medicine, and craniosacral therapy.