The journey to motherhood is one of the most wonderful and challenging experiences in a woman's life. From the moment the desire for a child grows within you, through the nine months of pregnancy and the intimate breastfeeding period, your body performs true miracles.
But as every gardener knows: In order for something beautiful to grow, it needs the right soil!
In this article you will learn which nutrients are particularly important in each phase of your journey and how you can best support your body – and that of your growing child.
Wanting a child: How to best prepare your body for new life
If you want a baby, the journey often begins long before the time actually comes. Perhaps you've only just started thinking about it – or perhaps you've been trying for a while. In either case, it's worthwhile to prepare your body specifically for pregnancy.
Why is this so important? Because your body forms the basis for new life. And the better it is supplied with the right nutrients, the more stable the foundation for everything that follows.
Did you know that many important developmental processes in a baby are initiated in the first few weeks after conception? Often even before you find out you're pregnant.
| But this is precisely where a misconception persists that is still widespread:
„"Start taking nutritional supplements only during pregnancy."“ Therefore, experts recommend using a targeted approach. Nutrient supply ideally 3-6 months before the planned pregnancy to begin. This gives your body enough time to replenish its stores and optimally prepare for the new life. |
Important: Good preparation should not become a stress factor or be accompanied by the feeling of having to do everything perfectly, but rather give your body what it needs at that moment.
These include, among others:
- Supply of important Nutrients
- stabilizing hormone levels and ensuring good fertility
- and a regular cycle.
Especially if it doesn't work out immediately, conscious preparation can help you regain more confidence in your own body – and in the path you are currently taking.
The most important nutrients when trying to conceive
1. Folic acid
You've probably heard that folic acid is especially important before and during pregnancy. But why should you start taking folic acid even before a positive pregnancy test? This B vitamin plays a crucial role in the early development of your baby's neural tube, from which the brain and spinal cord later develop.
What's special about this is that this development begins as early as the first 28 days after conception – often even before you know that you are pregnant!
2. Iron
Iron is also essential in preparing for an upcoming pregnancy. Nutrient. Because it supports many processes that are particularly important right now – for example, the formation of red blood cells, oxygen supply, and energy metabolism. Especially when your body is preparing for pregnancy, it needs sufficient energy and good blood circulation. This allows it to create ideal conditions for implantation and the first stages of development.
Furthermore, iron plays an important role in regulating hormone levels and therefore naturally also has an influence on your cycle. You may have underestimated this aspect so far.
3. Zinc
Your fertility (and that of your partner) is crucial if you want a baby. It's the foundation for the creation of a new life – and therefore deserves very special attention. To ensure your body is well-prepared, it needs certain things. Micronutrients. One of them is zinc.
Zinc contributes to normal fertility and also supports cell division. This process plays an important role in pregnancy from the very beginning.
4. Chaste tree
In addition to essential vitamins and minerals, many women trying to conceive also rely on certain plant compounds that have long been valued during this special phase. A well-known example is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus).
The small, dark berries of the chaste tree have been used traditionally for centuries. They are particularly valued in relation to the menstrual cycle and female well-being.
Although every woman has her own unique experiences, chasteberry is considered by many to be a tried and tested herbal remedy when it comes to naturally supporting the body. Especially during the sensitive phase of trying to conceive, it can therefore be a valuable aid. valuable support be.
Pregnancy: Why your body needs more nutrients now – and how you can support it
Are you already carrying your child? Within just a few months, a tiny cell develops into a complete little human being. And to ensure that all of this happens smoothly, your body is working at full capacity.
No wonder, then, that many things are changing now – and your Nutritional requirements It increases noticeably. Because your baby now has priority: It takes what it needs – if necessary, even from your own reserves.
That's precisely why it's so important during this special time that you don't miss out.
The nutritional champions of pregnancy
To best support yourself and your baby, it's worth consciously giving your body what it really needs right now.
1. Folic acid
The importance of folic acid doesn't end with a positive pregnancy test. This vitamin plays a central role throughout the entire pregnancy. It supports the growth of your maternal tissue – including the uterus and placenta. It provides your baby with everything it needs.
Furthermore, folic acid continues to support cell division and is therefore important for your baby's development – not only in the first few weeks, but throughout the rest of the year. throughout the entire pregnancy.
2. Iron
Did you know that your blood volume increases by up to 50 percent during pregnancy? Your body now produces significantly more blood to optimally supply you and your baby.
Iron plays a crucial role in this process. It's needed for the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to every cell in your body. Your baby also receives oxygen this way. Therefore, it's especially important to pay attention to iron levels during this time. good iron intake Pay attention!
3. Iodine
Iodine is probably not the first nutrient you think of during your pregnancy – yet it is one of the most important trace elements during this time.
Why? Because iodine supports the normal function of your thyroid gland. And the thyroid gland, in turn, is one of the most important control centers in the body. It regulates metabolism, energy balance, and growth. with you and your baby.
4. B vitamins
Besides folic acid, which you have already learned about, other substances also play a role. B vitamins They play an important role during pregnancy. They support many processes that your body now manages daily – often in the background and without you even noticing.
B vitamins contribute to normal energy metabolism, support the nervous system and can even reduce fatigue.
Why nutrition is often insufficient during pregnancy
Now you know the most important ones. Nutrients, These are nutrients that your body especially needs during pregnancy. You might now be wondering: "Can't I just get all of that through my diet?"„
A valid question – and the answer is: Not always.
Even with the best knowledge and intentions, a balanced diet during pregnancy is often more difficult to implement:
- In the first few weeks, nausea, loss of appetite or a sensitive stomach make eating difficult for many women – and thus also nutrient absorption.
- Later, cravings or aversions to certain foods often develop – sometimes even to foods that would actually be particularly valuable.
- And then there's everyday life: Every pregnancy is different. You might feel full of energy. Or you might be just happy if you can even get out of bed in the morning. There's often little energy left for elaborate meals.
That's why many women choose to give their bodies extra support during this time – simply to make sure they get what they really need right now.
Breastfeeding: Nutrients for two
The birth is over, your baby is finally with you! Now begins one of the most intense and beautiful phases – the time of getting to know and bonding with your little treasure.
But while this time is magical, it can also be incredibly draining. Many mothers report that the weeks and months after giving birth present them with greater challenges than the pregnancy or even the birth itself. Your body is still recovering from childbirth, while at the same time you are there for your baby around the clock. Little sleep and many new tasks are the order of the day.
During this special time, it's more important than ever to take good care of yourself and seek support. That's why certain nutrients are particularly beneficial right now. Especially if you're breastfeeding, you remain your baby's sole source of nutrients.
The most important nutrients for breastfeeding
1. Iron
After giving birth, your body needs to recover from the strain and replenish blood loss. Iron therefore remains an important nutrient that supports your body in blood production – and can also reduce fatigue. Especially for new mothers That's often exactly what they need.
2. Vitamin B12 & Folic Acid
Two vitamins that can support you on several levels after giving birth are vitamin B12 and – once again – folic acid.
Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal function of your nervous system and your energy metabolism. These properties are particularly valuable in a time when your body is under constant strain.
It also plays a role in your immune system. Did you know that you also pass on B12 to your baby through breast milk? In this early stage, your baby is particularly dependent on your supply.
Folic acid primarily supports your mental health during this time, because this B vitamin It contributes to normal psychological function. Amidst hormonal changes and lack of sleep, it can give you a feeling of inner balance.
3. Natural plant substances
Also certain Plant substances They have been a staple in breastfeeding for generations. Two of the best-known are fenugreek and fennel.
Many breastfeeding mothers traditionally rely on these two plants to support their bodies naturally. In various cultures, they have long been considered tried-and-tested home remedies – especially in the first few weeks after birth.
How can you best care for your body?
Now that you know which nutrients are particularly important in the different phases surrounding trying to conceive, pregnancy and breastfeeding, you might be asking yourself: How can I reliably cover all of this in everyday life – especially when appetite, energy or time aren't cooperating?
Especially during this particular phase of life, it can therefore be beneficial to focus on high-quality dietary supplements to resort to.
Proven products that we can recommend here: three natural complexes from True to Nature. They accompany you through every phase – from the desire to have children to the breastfeeding period – with well-thought-out combinations of vitamins, minerals and selected plant extracts.
- MOTHER'S JOY: With folic acid, iron, zinc and chasteberry, this product is perfectly tailored to your body's needs before pregnancy.
- BALL TIME: As soon as you hold your positive pregnancy test in your hands, it's time for KUGELZEIT from NATURTREU. It contains all the important micronutrients such as folate, iron, iodine and B vitamins – in the ideal dosage for your pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding period: And NATURTREU also offers the perfect support for you during breastfeeding. With fenugreek, fennel, folic acid and vitamin B12 – developed for the intensive period after birth.
By the way: All products are manufactured in Germany, are non-genetic and free from unwanted fillers and additives.
So if you're looking for a simple way to support your nutrient intake during this special time, it's worth taking a look at these. Products Absolutely!
Conclusion: Listen to your body – it knows what it needs.
Every woman's journey to parenthood, every pregnancy, and every breastfeeding experience is different. For some, pregnancy is one of the most beautiful phases of their lives, while other women are relieved when it's over. That's why it's so important not to compare your journey to others.
Be aware that your body is doing amazing things – whether you're still preparing for pregnancy or already holding your baby in your arms. Therefore, take good care of yourself – at your own pace and in your own way.
And don't forget: You don't have to do everything perfectly, but you're allowed to get the support that's good for you. You can trust that your body will tell you what you need.
Note: This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss your nutritional needs with your doctor or midwife.
*Placement of advertising partnerships / affiliate links: True to Nature
Images: Naturtreu, Adobe Stock