10 Steps to a Healthier Pregnancy

I have been reading Well-Adjusted Babies by Dr. Jennifer Barham-Floreani and want to bring some gems from the book straight to you. Pregnancy, like a lot of things, has become big business. There are countless pre-natal, pregnancy, and post-natal tests that you can have performed to enhance your experience. But does this process actually need enhancing? In some cases, yes it does. Sub-optimal nutrition and health by the mother or possible complications due to the baby may require tests for a healthy pregnancy, birth and baby. But, women have been giving birth for thousands of years without any intervention, so it can be done! Please note, this list is by no means exhaustive of all the things you can do to have a healthy pregnancy, and is not meant to take the place of medical advice.

1. Learn about pregnancy. Appreciate how your baby develops so you can understand their growing needs.
2. Broaden your knowledge by interviewing other women, couples and maternity care providers, and then decide on your individual approach to pregnancy and birth.
3. Learn about general health and wellness.
4. Get checked by a wellness-oriented chiropractor. When your nervous system or ‘life-force’ is free of interference, your body is better able to express its full genetic potential for vitalism and health.
5. Assess your pre-pregnancy health status. Naturopaths and Chinese herbalists are trained to assess specific nutritional needs or deficiencies which might impact on a mother’s pregnancy or long-term health. Dr. Teresita Martinez at The Golgi Clinic is my recommendation
6. Adopt self-care principles and healthy lifestyle habits.
7. Focus on a wholesome nutritious diet.
8. Reduce your toxic load.
9. Maintain a positive learning attitude.
10. Relax, meditate, and connect with your baby.

This list is something that I have been focusing on during my pregnancy and has definitely taken some of the unknown elements out of what I should be doing. Deciding to start a family or becoming pregnant is an exciting and nerve racking time in your life. This is your process and there are a lot of options out there. Find the ones that resonate with you and stick with them as long as they continue to feel right. If you would like to read more of the book, I have it in the office to borrow, along with the DVD ‘Doctored’ which looks at the monopolization of our medical system.

I would love to hear everyone’s experiences! How did you stay healthy during your pregnancy? If you have any questions about the list, don’t hesitate to reach out. Also, if you know anyone that would benefit from this list, please share it with them!

​Peace, Love and Wellness
Dr. Liz