A Guest Blog Post by Beth Rush
As your baby grows, you’re responsible for their well-being as well as your own. Today, many expecting parents are seeking products that support a healthy pregnancy and align with values like sustainability, transparency and ethical responsibility. Prenatal Vitamins are no exception.
Traditionally, prenatal supplements have focused on the well-being of the mother and child, but eco-conscious prenatal vitamins prioritize mom, baby and the environment. From keeping you healthy to reducing damage to the environment, here’s what you need to know about these sustainably sourced vitamins and how they’re impacting maternal health.
Organic Prenatal Vitamins Can Help You Stay Healthy
Taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy helps you strengthen yourself and your baby and minimize pregnancy complications. Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial to give your body the nutrients it needs. However, your body needs more help before and during pregnancy, especially from iron and folic acid.
Iron helps your body to supply oxygen to the fetus. It also assists the development of the fetus and placenta. Folic acid is ideally consumed three months prior to pregnancy as it prepares your body and is most beneficial during the first trimester — although you can take it throughout your pregnancy. Taking folic acid can hinder birth defects that could impact the development of your baby’s brain and spine.
You can also consider taking calcium, docosahexaenoic acid, iodine, zinc and vitamins A through E. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for maternal health. However, taking organic prenatal vitamins can reduce toxic intake and increase your overall health as well as your baby’s.
Eco-Conscious Prenatal Vitamins Can Create Positive Environmental Impact
In today’s wellness-driven world, pregnancy is about thriving physically, mentally and emotionally and helping the environment while you’re at it. There are 78% of women using prenatal vitamins in the U.S. Among these vitamins is Omega-3. Omega-3 keeps your heart, lungs and immune system healthy. It helps your baby’s neurodevelopment and prevents anemia deficiency. Algae-based omega-3 oil is plant-based. It’s easier for your body to absorb and it helps the environment reduce pressure on the marine world.
Organic prenatals are typically free from synthetic fillers, artificial colors and common allergens. They prioritize non-GMO and whole food-derived nutrients, reducing exposure to contaminants for you and the baby. This can help bring peace of mind as you navigate pregnancy and all of the changes that come with it.
Sustainably sourcing prenatal vitamins also means a reduction in manufacturing costs and emissions. When greenhouse gases are reduced, you’re contributing to a pollution-free environment, which means clean air for you and your child.
Taking eco-conscious prenatal vitamins can also impact product packaging. Companies that produce these vitamins may also show their commitment to their environment through their packing materials. Bisphenol A — or BPA — is a chemical that’s used to package certain consumer products like food and beverages. While it’s not explicitly known to package vitamins, consider eco-friendly packaging when buying your vitamins. Supporting eco-friendly packaging helps businesses to thrive in making a global change.
Remember to Seek Support
While prenatal vitamins are generally good for you, they also have side effects, which can cause stress and anxiety. It can be frustrating to feel sick when you’re taking something for your health. Women experience anxiety at around double the rate of men, so know that you’re not alone if you are navigating these feelings.
Don’t overlook your feelings and needs while you’re helping your baby and the environment. Hormonal shifts can increase the risk of depression. While omega-3 can help to reduce the risk of depression, you should talk to someone who understands how you’re feeling. Create a community that makes you feel supported and loved as your body experiences these changes.
Along with your hormones, your immune system, heart and lungs also change, making you more prone to respiratory viruses during pregnancy, so remember to seek support for any changes you experience. Consult your doctor about adverse side effects and physical changes and discuss the vitamins you’re taking with them.
Part of reducing toxins in the environment is sharing your story with others. Help another woman understand the importance of organic prenatal vitamins and the impact it has on the environment and her body.
Sustainable Sourcing Transforms Maternal Health
The journey to parenthood is personal and every choice along the way has the potential to impact short-term well-being and long-term health. Eco-conscious prenatal vitamins offer more than daily nutrients. They represent a commitment to clean and healthy living, reducing toxins and improving nutrient absorption.
As awareness grows, these choices are becoming the new standard in maternal care. Choosing a prenatal vitamin that reflects your values is more than a purchase — it’s a form of self-care and advocacy for you, your baby and future generations.
About the Author: Beth Rush is the mindfulness editor at Body+Mind. She writes about mental health during pregnancy and beyond. She also shares tips for coping with c-PTSD, PCOS, and climate anxiety. Subscribe to the Body+Mind Newsletter for more posts by Beth.
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