Before and During Pregnancy
Pregnancy Care
Giving Your Baby The Best Possible Start In Life
If you are thinking about having a baby now or further in the future.
It is not too early to start preparing for a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.
Preconception care refers to optimising your health and addressing health issues before you
become pregnant in order to keep you, your partner and your baby as healthy as possible.
Preconception care is the ultimate form of preventative medicine.
Research is emerging that what happens in the first nine months may influence your child's health for
the rest of its life. Fetal exposure to stress toxins, undernutrition, and obesity has been shown to play a role in the development of many common chronic diseases.
Being prepared and ensuring you and your partner are as healthy as possible can positively influence your child's
health and quality of life for years to come.
With the help of Our Nutritionist in Higher Health, you receive guidance on appropriate dietary lifestyle and supplement recommendations that will increase your chances of conceiving and maintaining the health of both parents and your baby throughout pregnancy and beyond.
As couples prepare for pregnancy. the spotlight often falls on the mother-to-be. However, modern research is telling us that men have more than just
a small part to play in the conception and the health of their baby, and should also be targeted for preconception care, development of healthy sperm is not only important because it
delivers half of the genetic materials to for the baby: it also plays an important role in successful fertilisation and pregnancy outcomes. We can advise on specific factors to promote male reproductive health to allow both parents to be at their healthiest before they create their baby.
Healthy Habits For a Happy, Healthy Pregnancy and Happier, Healthier Babies
It Takes Two
Prior to conception, during pregnancy and throughout lactation you are laying the foundations for your baby's growth, health and development. There are some simple health lifestyle practices that both parents can do together to enhance the health of the parents and the baby.
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Detoxification for ‘Him’ and ‘Her’: Every day we are exposed to increasing levels of toxins hidden in the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Toxic exposure can affect the fertility status of both men and women, as well as the health of the child, Fortunately, We can help you and your partner to minimise toxin exposure and enhance the removal of toxic substances from the body by guiding you through an integrated Detoxification Program before conception. Be aware: the timing of a ‘detox’ is crucial. As sperm and eggs take roughly three to four months to develop. You should aim to have finished your detoxification at least four months prior to your conception.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet: We can provide guidelines on what comprises a healthy well-balanced diet, rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, high in good quality protein, and essential fatty acids to ensure that you are getting the right nutrients to make every mouthful count. Not only should the diet be high in these healthy ingredients, but it is also important to minimise the consumption of sugar. alcohol and caffeine to promote optimal health before and during pregnancy.
Participate in regular physical activity: Regular physical activity before, and throughout pregnancy offers many physical and emotional benefits including stress relief, weight control faster recuperation after pregnancy, and increased ability to cope with the physical demands of pregnancy and motherhood.
Suggested activities that are considered safe during pregnancy include walking, swimming, aqua-aerobics, yoga, or specialised exercise classes
Stress less: Stress can be a major underlying factor affecting fertility and the future health of the child. Minimise the impact of stress on your and your baby’s health by practising relaxation exercises such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and creating time to rest and do activities that you enjoy!
Support yourself with supplements:
Changing your and lifestyle is often the most important factor to optimise health; however, it doesn't hurt
give yourself a little boost with supplements. We are best placed to advise you on a supplement regimen to address your health concerns and support a healthy pregnancy.
MAXIMISE YOUR HEALTH WITH SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPORT
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Multivitamin and Mineral Formula
The vast majority of Australian's have an inadequate supply of dietary vitamins and minerals. This, coupled with the increased nutritional demands during pregnancy, makes taking a specially formulated preconception/pregnancy multivitamin and mineral supplement a valuable recommendation for preconception and pregnancy care. Rather than grabbing the cheapest formula from the local supermarket shelf, ask us at Higher Health to recommend a comprehensive, high-quality formula to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need at the correct dose required to grow a healthy baby.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish oils support many aspects of health and should be a key consideration for any pregnancy care program. In particular, the omega-3 essential fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the major building structures of the brain and helps to support The development of the brain and nervous system in the fetus. When selecting a fish oil supplement. That has undergone extensive research purification to minimise your exposure to heavy metals and other contaminants that may affect the health of the baby
Probiotics
Probiotics are friendly bacteria that are beneficial for improving the balance of flora in the digestive tract. Probiotics canter many health benefits to support general well-being. Specifically, research has shown that the probiotic strain lactobacillus rhamnosus can help reduce the occurrence of allergies such as eczema in the infant if taken by expectant mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy
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Continue Healthy Habis Through Lactation and Beyond!
During Pregnancy, many women are highly motivated to remain as healthy as possible so that they can give the baby the best start in life but then forget these principles as soon as the baby arrives! The preconception and pregnancy period is an excellent opportunity to develop simple, Healthy habits that you can use to keep yourself and your family as healthy as possible for the rest of your life! WE can help you to implement these changes and provide any additional support required
It’s Not Too Early to Start making Changes Today
By working closely with us you can aim to overcome health obstacles and nutritional factors that may be affecting your ability to achieve a timely conception and a healthy pregnancy. You will also be able to ensure that you and your baby are reaching your full potential through optimal health. It’s never too early to start preparing for pregnancy,
so make an appointment with us today!
Additionally, Practitioner-quality supplements are usually more potent and pure than what is available over the counter, so to get the best, make an appointment with us at Higher Health today.