The Pregnancy Culture

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The Pregnancy Culture

Hi there, I’m Caitlin - Registered Nurse / Midwife / Nutrition Consultant

04/11/2025

Before trying to conceive, it can be really helpful to understand what your body needs and where your baseline levels are 🩸

These are some (not all) of the key blood tests practitioners often consider to help build a more complete picture of health before pregnancy, from nutrient stores to thyroid, metabolic, and immune markers.

Some examples include:
• Iron studies (not just ferritin)
• B12, folate, vitamin D
• Thyroid panel (TSH, FT3, FT4, antibodies)
• Fasting glucose + insulin
• Zinc, copper, CRP, lipids
• Reproductive or genetic tests where indicated (e.g., MTHFR, coeliac screen, hormone panel)

Every person’s needs are different, so it’s best to discuss these with your healthcare provider, they can guide you on what’s most relevant based on your history and goals 💜

30/10/2025

Some of my go-to grocery staples 🛒

I love keeping things simple - a mix of whole-food basics, organic options where possible, and ingredients that make nourishing meals easy during the week.

You’ll always find a few of these in my trolley:
🥩 Grass-fed meats
🍳 Free-range eggs
🥦 Organic veggies + fruit
🍝 Gluten-free or spelt pasta
🥣 Yoghurt, bone broth, and good-quality fats

What are a few of your non-negotiables when grocery shopping?

29/10/2025

Choosing a prenatal can feel overwhelming - so many labels, nutrient forms, doses and noise 🤯
Here are a few things to look for when reviewing ingredients:

🌿 Activated (methylated) B vitamins for better utilisation
🧠 Choline (and a good amount of it) for brain and placental health
🌊 Iodine and selenium (for thyroid health) *however if you have an existing thyroid condition please consult health professional to ensure it is suitable for your individual requirements
🦴 Gentle, bioavailable minerals
🥦 Transparent, evidence-based formulations - not just “marketing fluff” and adding things in just to tick a box but not in meaningful doses.

Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s always best to discuss your supplement routine with your health professional who understands your preconception or pregnancy goals.

28/10/2025

Have you been told you have PCOS?
Yeah me too.

Been told to go on the pill?
Yeah me too.

BUT there are other things that can be implemented which are not largely discussed unless you go to see a nutritionist, naturopath, dietician or integrative GP.

So here is a generalised list. The pill isn’t the only option. In fact, it will just mask your symptoms and your cycle until you come off it.

Please, please get your bloods done too, there are different approaches depending on the outcome of your bloods eg. Insulin resistance, androgens, inflammation etc.

Also an ultrasound alone cannot diagnose PCOS 🔈

Have you tried any of these suggestions and had luck with your symptoms and/or cycle?

23/10/2025

Pregnancy often comes with an overwhelming list of food rules - what to avoid, what’s “too risky,” and what’s “off-limits.”

But here’s something important to remember → food doesn’t have to be feared during pregnancy.

Your immune system changes during pregnancy, which can increase the risk of food-borne illness. That’s why it’s important to handle, prepare, and store food safely, and to follow the guidance of your health professional.

At the same time, it’s also okay to look at the bigger picture. Many foods that are sometimes avoided (like eggs, cheese, or fish) can provide valuable nutrients for you and your baby when prepared and consumed safely.

Education is key. When you understand the risk versus benefit of certain foods, you can make informed decisions that feel right for you, with the support of your healthcare team.

Because pregnancy nutrition isn’t about fear - it’s about feeling confident and empowered in your choices 💜

22/10/2025

Myo-inositol is one of the most researched nutrients for supporting healthy ovulation - particularly in women with insulin resistance 💜

In a clinical study, daily supplementation with 2 g twice per day was associated with ovulation in around 62% of participants. Among those who didn’t initially respond, adding clomiphene citrate helped increase that rate further.

While this data is promising, it’s important to remember that everyone’s cycle is unique and ongoing research is still needed to understand individual differences.

Always discuss supplements and dosage with your healthcare professional to ensure they’re appropriate for you.

21/10/2025

Eczema can be so tough on little ones and on parents trying to figure out what helps 💜

While topical creams are often prescribed to help manage symptoms, it can also be worth looking a little deeper at possible underlying contributors with the support of a qualified practitioner.

Things that may be explored include:
🌿 Supporting the skin barrier with gentle, nut-free oils
🩵 Checking for nutrient needs (like vitamin D or omega-3s)
🥣 Identifying dietary or environmental triggers
🦠 Gut support and appropriate probiotics
🛁 Minimising irritants (fragrance, harsh soaps, long baths)

Every child’s skin is unique, what works for one may not work for another.

Always speak with your health professional before making any changes to your child’s routine or diet.

16/10/2025

Only 1 in 10 women are meeting their daily choline needs and those numbers drop even further during pregnancy 💜

Choline plays an important role in supporting healthy cell growth and development, especially during pregnancy. Despite this, it’s often missing (or under-dosed) in many prenatal supplements.

Eggs, lean meats, and liver are some of the richest dietary sources - but if you don’t regularly eat these foods, it’s worth checking your intake and chatting with your health professional about your individual needs.

15/10/2025

Feeling that 3 pm crash or endless snack cycle? 🍫 It’s often less about willpower and more about blood-sugar balance💜

Supporting healthy glucose control isn’t just for those with insulin resistance, it’s key for energy, hormones and overall wellbeing.

Some gentle, evidence-based habits that can help include:
🥦 Building balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats
🚶‍♀️ Taking a 10-15 minute walk after meals
💤 Prioritising sleep and managing stress
🌿 Including nutrients that support insulin sensitivity - like magnesium, zinc, and myo-inositol
🍎 Trying a splash of cinnamon / apple cider vinegar before or with meals

These small steps can make a big difference in how your body feels throughout the day.

Always check with your health professional before making changes to your diet or supplements 💜

14/10/2025

Pregnancy can bring a whole range of changes - some more comfortable than others.

From nausea and restless legs to low iron or constipation, it helps to understand the why behind these common experiences and how to support your body with guidance from your healthcare provider.

This post explores nutrients and lifestyle areas that may be relevant, such as:
🌿 Magnesium for muscle relaxation and sleep
🩸 Iron bisglycinate for low iron
🧠 Myo-inositol for blood-sugar support
💧 Vitamin C and probiotics for urinary or immune health

Everyone’s needs are unique, so this isn’t a “take-this-for-that” guide - just a gentle starting point for more informed conversations with your practitioner.

15/01/2025

Don’t get me wrong medication definitely has its time and place during pregnancy and postpartum in order to minimise complications, but often I believe we lose sight of how important supplements, diet and lifestyle can be in the overall picture ❤️

Our health care system is largely reactive, as opposed to being proactive.

Here is a little snippet of just SOME supplements that may be helpful. Please as always, discuss implementing these with your health professional as they may not be a right fit for you.

Any questions? You know what to do 👇🏻

05/12/2024

A bit of a random one but I get asked quite a bit where I shop and what I eat so I popped some of our weekly go to’s in a post!

We shop at quite a bit but other times we we need a quick top up I go to our local organic shop or Coles. The above all have beautiful ingredients and as a bonus are sometimes on sale!

Would love to hear what other staples you would add?

Address

PO Box 4105
Croydon Hills, VIC
3136

Website

http://www.maternallyhappy.com/

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