All Categories - SARAH THOMPSON

The B6 Paradox

6/29/2021

Vitamin B6 has been widely used in the treatment of morning sickness, and other types of nausea. B6 has been known to have antiemetic effects since the 1940s. There are multiple forms in blood circulation and knowing which form had the most significant effect on nausea and vomiting had been a bit of a mystery until newer research pointed to the pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) form of B6 as being associated with the decrease in nausea and vomiting symptoms. But, it's not just this simple (of course)

Preeclampsia - Nutrients in Disease Progression

6/26/2021

Preeclampsia is a prenatal and postpartum condition that is hallmarked by gestational hypertension and the presence of protein in the urine. It occurs in approximately 5-8% of pregnant women, and can be life threatening. Women who have had preeclampsia with a previous pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing it again.

Choline in Pregnancy

6/22/2021

A recent, 2018, study by Cornell University has the prenatal nutrition world buzzing about choline, and it's not the only study showing the benefits of higher maternal intake of choline on fetal brain development.

Epigenetics, Nutrition and Pregnancy

1/28/2020

A healthy diet is important for pregnancy and for women planning to conceive. The maternal diet influences fertility, fetal development, and pregnancy outcomes. It can also have a long lasting effect on the health and genetics of the growing baby.

Evening Primrose Oil - Is It Safe for Labor Induction?

1/16/2020

The number of natural induction methods and options have grown exponentially over the last several decades. In my practice, as a Functional Medicine Acupuncturist and Doula, I’ve seen a huge influx in women seeking Acupuncture and alternative medicine to speed up the labor process in the avoidance of a medically induced childbirth. While most of the natural induction methods are fairly harmless and offer some benefit in triggering the natural hormonal reactions of labor, there are some that would be better left on the shelf.

Magnesium in Pregnancy - Essential Mineral

1/16/2020

Did you know that 60-90% (depending on age group) of reproductive aged women are not consuming enough Magnesium in America? This is a big problem, and even more so in pregnancy. In prenatal nutrition, we have heard about the need for things like Folate, but we have not heard much on the need for Magnesium. Possibly because the goal of prenatal nutrition is to grow healthy babies, not the functional health of the mother. With the increasing rise of maternal health issues and death, this needs to change.

A Patient's Guide to Candida in Pregnancy

1/16/2020

I love everything about pregnancy! Obviously, it's why I do what I do. Except yeast infections, I don't love those. Yeast infections are no fun! Especially when you are pregnant. Itchy and irritated rashes, smelly discharge, burning and soreness are all things no pregnant woman wants to deal with. These little fungi are not only irritating but can be dangerous by increasing the risk of Premature Rupture of Membranes from infection (PROM). Candida in pregnancy should always be taken seriously.

Vitamin A, Liver & Pregnancy - Is It Safe?

1/15/2020

Should you or should you not eat liver during your pregnancy? Let me help you navigate this controversial subject.

The Right Prenatal Vitamin - Why It Matters

7/29/2019

As pregnancy & childbirth practitioners it is our passion and care for our patients that makes the difference. Women come to us for education and empowerment. They trust us to help them make decisions that are best for their health, and the health of their growing baby. It is our responsibility to maintain our education so that we can help educate our patients on the inner workings of their body. One of the biggest decisions we as maternal health care providers make is the recommendation of prenatal vitamins.