I’m currently pregnant with my 3rd child. My friends who are also pregnant right now have been asking me what vitamins, supplements, and stretch mark prevention products I use. Being a first time mom is overwhelming with the hundreds of prenatal products to choose from and its hard to narrow down which is best for you. I thought it might be helpful to share my experience with prenatal products that I love with all of you.
I love these vitamins for a few reasons. First, these vitamins are all natural and food based which makes them easy for your body to digest and absorb. Second, they also contain probiotics that are healthy bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. I also like how there is only one pill unlike other vitamins which require you to take a few throughout the day. I do have to say that although I find the pills easy to swallow without an aftertaste or smell I didn’t find that to be the case in my first trimester, which I brings me to #2 on my list of prenatal products that I love.
2. Oxylent Prenatal Vitamin Drink
During my first trimester, I was extra sensitive to smell and taste. The thought of swallowing any pill made me gag and it was really difficult for me to take my prenatal vitamins. Thankfully, I found Oxylent Prenatal Vitamin Drink which is a powder that you mix with water and drink. It has all the essential vitamins you need and it is naturally sweetened with stevia instead of sugar. It tastes pretty good with just water but on the days that I was extra nauseous, I would mix it with some juice just to ensure that I wouldn’t have any issues with taste. If you have issues with pills, I strongly recommend giving Oxylent Prenatal Vitamin Drink a try.
3. Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate
Collagen is a great source of protein. It is also known to help form connective tissues, soothe the gut, support hair and nail growth, and give skin elasticity which will help prevent stretch marks and tighten your loose skin post pregnancy. The Great Lakes Collagen is high quality and derived from kosher, grass-fed Cows. I mix it into juice or smoothies, and sometimes even my tea.
Studies have shown that Omega 3, in particular DHA, is very important for fetal brain and eye development. Studies have also shown that a deficiency in Omega 3 could increase the risk of allergies in infants as well as postpartum depression in mothers. I am particularly sensitive to “fishiness” and have found many fish oil supplements to have a fishy aftertaste. Surprisingly, I haven’t had any issues with Nordic Natural’s Omega 3 despite it being in liquid form. It has a lemon flavor so I usually add it to orange juice or smoothies and it blends right in.
5. Spectrum Essentials Vegetarian DHA
For those of you who are vegan or vegetarian, Spectrum Essentials Vegetarian DHA Softgels are a great option for you. These gelatin free soft gels contain algae-sourced Omega-3 DHA nutrients so it’s free of any animal by products.
6. Vitamin D-3
Vitamin D-3 helps healthy bone development in the baby. It also plays a big role in immune function, healthy cell division and bone health of the mother. The American Pregnancy Association recommends 4,000 IU of Vitamin D daily to prevent preterm labor/births and infections.
7. Mother’s Special Blend Toning Oil
This is a pure blend of almond oil, pecan oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E. I love how there are no additives or chemicals. I have used this product during and after my previous pregnancies and I got very few stretch marks, so I am hoping that this pregnancy will be the same!
8. Hypnobirthing, The Mongon Method
I highly recommend that every pregnant woman reads this book regardless of how you plan on birthing (epidural, natural, hospital, birthing center, etc). I did not take the hypnobirthing class but I have read this book in all three pregnancies and it has helped me tremendously.
The basic concept is that it is not necessary for childbirth to be a terribly painful and traumatic experience. Fear causes three physical reactions in the body―tightening of the muscles, reduced blood flow to the birthing muscles, and the release of certain hormones―which increase the pain and discomfort of childbirth. If we eliminate the fear and shift our mindset about birth to a more positive experience, we can take control of the greatest and most important event of our lives. Just keeping the concept in my mind helped me stay calm and focused during my previous birth experiences. As I am reviewing the book during this pregnancy, I feel myself less afraid and more excited about childbirth and how amazing it is.
About the author: Rubina Umarji is the owner and executive cake artist of Rubina’s Cake Shoppe. After the birth of her son in 2009, she left her career in engineering to focus on her two passions: her family and her edible art. Since then, she’s had the opportunity to showcase cakes and gourmet confections to thousands of dessert loving clients as well as over 100 of Hollywood’s hottest stars and has had her cakes featured on television. Now her days are focused on teaching cake decorating classes to all ages. Her favorite students are her two children, ages 4 and 6. She frequently writes cake decorating tutorials and recipes on the Rubina’s Cake Shoppe Blog (www.rubinascakeshoppe.com/blog).