Is it safe to take nutritional supplements when pregnant and/or breastfeeding?

Women tend to focus a lot on their diets when they’re pregnant, and when breastfeeding, excluding certain foods, and taking supplements.....But are supplements safe, and do you even need them? We spoke to our resident Nutritionist, Linda, to answer your questions. 

Supplements when Pregnant 

Taking a high quality prenatal during pregnancy and lactation will help replenish your nutrition stores in times when diet may not be optimal - for example, if experiencing food aversions or nausea in pregnancy or if eating erratically after giving birth.

Supplements when Breastfeeding

If the mother is eating a broad, nutrient dense, whole foods diet after birth, supplementation may not be necessary - however, this may be hard to do in the first few months postpartum when  mother is busy looking after her newborn baby and is not eating regular meals or when sleep patterns are erratic, leading to poorer food choices for quick boosts of energy.

It is also important to supplement if you are following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as these diets may be low in vitamin b12, vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids.

 

Breastfeeding

Disclaimer

Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your doctor.