The Pregnancy Culture

13/11/2025

Choline doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it’s one of the most important nutrients to support during pregnancy 💜

It plays a vital role in healthy cell growth and development, working closely with folate throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Yet research shows that many women fall short of their daily needs, especially since most prenatals contain little (or no) choline at all.

Where to find it: Eggs, beef liver, lean meats, and certain prenatal formulations.

Daily needs:
Around 450–550 mg per day for most women, though individual requirements can vary - this is best discussed with your healthcare professional. 550mg is usually recommended in late pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you’re not regularly eating eggs or other rich sources, it’s worth checking your label and chatting with your practitioner about ways to meet your needs 💜

12/11/2025

Egg quality isn’t something we can control entirely but there are lifestyle and nutritional factors that may help support healthy ovulation and cell development 💜

Your eggs begin maturing around 3-4 months before ovulation, so what you do in that window can really make a difference for preconception health.

Some gentle areas to focus on include:
🥦 Nutrient-rich whole foods (vitamin E, C, zinc, CoQ10, protein)
💤 Sleep + stress support
🚫 Reducing toxin exposure (fragrance, plastics, smoking)
☀️ Checking vitamin D levels
💪 Prioritising movement and adequate calorie intake

It’s never about perfection - just small, consistent steps that nurture your body during preconception.

Always chat with your health professional before making changes to your diet or supplements.

11/11/2025

If you’ve been told your thyroid antibodies are elevated, it’s understandable to want to learn more about what could be contributing 💜

There are several lifestyle and nutritional factors that may influence thyroid health including gut health, nutrient status, and environmental exposures.

Exploring areas like vitamin D, iron, selenium, B vitamins, and iodine intake, as well as overall gut balance and dietary patterns, can offer helpful insights.

Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s best to work with your healthcare provider to investigate possible underlying factors and tailor support to your individual needs.

06/11/2025

Gestational diabetes can affect anyone, even with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. 💜

Emerging research suggests that certain supplements, like myo-inositol, may help support healthy glucose metabolism during pregnancy - particularly in women with higher metabolic needs.

While findings so far are encouraging, further research is always recommended.

As always, it’s important to speak with your health professional before introducing new supplements, especially during pregnancy.

05/11/2025

We talk a lot about women’s preconception care, but supporting s***m health matters too! S***m take around 70-90 days to fully mature, which means what happens in those few months really counts.

Small daily choices can make a big difference to s***m quality, count, and motility - from nutrient intake and toxin exposure to overall lifestyle.

Things to consider before trying to conceive:
• Check key nutrients (zinc, vitamin D, antioxidants)
• Reduce alcohol, smoking, and toxin exposure
• Choose breathable, organic fabrics
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet
• Move your body and lift regularly
• Consider a semen analysis and bloodwork to identify any deficiencies

Preconception health isn’t just a “her” thing, it’s a team effort. Always speak with a qualified health professional before making changes or starting supplements.

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?

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

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.