Pregnancy Plan – Comprehensive Nutrition for Preconception, Pregnancy and Postnatal

B-Vitamins

Female Fertility: Assists with the regulation of hormonal activity and supports female hormonal health generally.

Male Fertility: Important for the healthy functioning of the paternal immune system and regulation of hormonal activity. Also involved in the normal metabolism of protein and glycogen, plus some neurotransmitters, as well as the normal formation of red blood cells.

Pregnancy & Post Natal: Important for the normal functioning of the immune system and regulation of a mother’s hormonal activity

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect reproductive cells from oxidative stress. It plays a vital role in collagen production, supports normal immune function, contributes to iron absorption, and is involved in normal energy metabolism.

Female Fertility
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, supporting the structure of the endometrium and cervical secretions that aid conception. As an antioxidant, it helps reduce oxidative stress within the ovaries. Some studies suggest a role in supporting normal progesterone levels during the luteal phase, which may be relevant to ovulation and implantation.

Male Fertility
Vitamin C is one of the main antioxidants in seminal plasma. It helps protect sperm DNA and cell membranes from oxidative damage and contributes to maintaining sperm motility and morphology. Vitamin C also regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and glutathione, within seminal fluid.

Pregnancy
During pregnancy, vitamin C supports the normal function of the immune system and contributes to collagen synthesis, important for tissue strength and elasticity. It enhances non-heme iron absorption, which is crucial for maternal iron status. Vitamin C is also involved in connective tissue formation, relevant to the developing placenta.

Postnatal
After birth, vitamin C supports tissue repair and immune recovery. It helps with iron absorption during breastfeeding and contributes to maternal antioxidant status. Its role in collagen formation also supports skin health during the postnatal period.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This function is particularly important for reproductive tissues, egg and sperm cells, and during pregnancy and recovery after birth.

Female Fertility
Vitamin E contributes to endometrial health and helps protect developing eggs from oxidative stress. Antioxidant support may be especially relevant for women with higher oxidative stress, including those of advanced reproductive age or undergoing assisted conception.

Male Fertility
Vitamin E helps protect sperm membranes from oxidative damage, supporting motility and morphology. It also contributes to maintaining DNA integrity within sperm cells and works alongside other antioxidants in seminal fluid.

Pregnancy
In pregnancy, vitamin E supports normal placental function and helps protect maternal cells from oxidative stress. It contributes to the protection of tissues during periods of rapid growth and development.

Postnatal
After birth, vitamin E supports recovery by protecting maternal cells from oxidative stress. It also contributes to skin health and helps maintain antioxidant defences during the postnatal period.

Iron

Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, supports oxygen transport in the body, helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, and contributes to normal cognitive function.

Female Fertility
Iron supports oxygen transport and energy metabolism, both of which are important for ovulatory function. It contributes to tissue formation, supporting the endometrium in preparation for conception, and is often included in preconception supplements for women with higher iron demands.

Pregnancy
During pregnancy, iron requirements increase significantly to support maternal blood volume expansion and the developing foetus. Iron helps meet these increased needs by supporting normal red blood cell formation, oxygen transport and energy levels.

Postnatal
After birth, iron is important for restoring maternal iron levels and supporting recovery. It contributes to reducing tiredness and fatigue, supports normal cognitive function, and helps maintain vitality during the postnatal period.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, supports normal thyroid function, contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and is required for normal spermatogenesis. These roles make it an important nutrient for reproductive health, pregnancy, and postnatal wellbeing.

Female Fertility
Selenium helps protect ovarian tissue from oxidative stress and supports normal thyroid function, which is important for hormone balance and regular ovulation. Adequate selenium intake forms part of comprehensive preconception care.

Male Fertility
Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis and supports the structural integrity of sperm. By protecting sperm cells from oxidative stress, selenium plays a role in maintaining motility and morphology, especially relevant where oxidative damage is a concern.

Pregnancy
During pregnancy, selenium contributes to maternal thyroid function and antioxidant protection. It also supports normal immune system function, which is important during the early stages of foetal growth and placental development.

Postnatal
After birth, selenium supports maternal thyroid health and immune function during recovery. It is also transferred to infants through breast milk, contributing to antioxidant protection and immune support in early life.

Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. It also supports the maintenance of normal skin, hair and mucous membranes, and contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and psychological function. These roles make it an important nutrient during the reproductive years, throughout pregnancy and in the postnatal period.

Female Fertility
Biotin contributes to energy release and supports metabolic processes that underpin overall reproductive health. It also helps maintain skin and hair, which can be influenced by hormonal changes in the preconception phase.

Pregnancy
During pregnancy, biotin demand increases due to heightened maternal metabolism. Biotin contributes to normal energy metabolism and supports the maintenance of skin, hair and mucous membranes, all of which may be affected by shifts in nutrient use during this time.

Postnatal
In the postnatal period, biotin supports energy metabolism and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also helps maintain normal skin and hair, which is why it is often included in formulations designed to support women’s recovery after birth.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D3 supports hormone regulation, immune function and healthy cell division, playing a vital role across fertility, pregnancy and beyond.

Female Fertility
It helps regulate the menstrual cycle through its influence on oestrogen and progesterone production. It also plays a role in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, two key concerns for women with PCOS or endometriosis.

Male Fertility
Vitamin D status is linked to testosterone levels and semen quality. It supports sperm motility and count, and contributes to the regulation of calcium balance within the male reproductive tract, which is essential for optimal sperm function.

Pregnancy
Vitamin D3 is crucial for foetal skeletal development, calcium absorption and immune regulation. Deficiency in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and low birth weight.

Postnatal
Postpartum, vitamin D supports maternal mood, immune defence and bone health. It is also passed through breast milk to the infant, helping support early immune and skeletal development.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, supports normal energy-yielding metabolism, and plays a role in normal muscle and nervous system function. It is also involved in the process of cell division, making it important throughout the reproductive cycle, pregnancy and the postnatal period.

Female Fertility
Magnesium contributes to normal energy release and psychological function, helping to manage fatigue and stress during the preconception phase. It also supports cellular processes involved in hormone regulation and reproductive health.

Male Fertility
In men, magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis, energy metabolism and muscle function. It supports cellular resilience and DNA synthesis, which are important for sperm development and overall reproductive health.

Pregnancy
Magnesium supports maternal muscle function, including the uterus, and contributes to normal psychological function during pregnancy. It also plays a role in meeting increased energy and cell division demands, supporting maternal wellbeing throughout gestation.

Postnatal
After birth, magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and supports normal psychological function. It helps replenish maternal stores following pregnancy and contributes to recovery and vitality in the postnatal period.

Beta Carotene

Beta carotene is a safe, plant-derived precursor of vitamin A that supports cell differentiation, immune health and antioxidant defence in reproductive contexts.

Female Fertility
Vitamin A is involved in the regulation of oestrogen and progesterone, as well as the development of reproductive tissues. Using beta carotene as a source ensures a controlled conversion to active vitamin A based on the body’s needs, reducing the risk of excess intake while still supporting follicle development and mucosal integrity.

Male Fertility
Vitamin A contributes to sperm production and the integrity of epithelial tissues within the reproductive tract. Beta carotene also offers antioxidant support, helping reduce oxidative stress in seminal fluid, which may improve sperm quality.

Pregnancy
Vitamin A supports embryonic growth, foetal eye development and immune system maturation. Beta carotene is the preferred form during pregnancy due to its safety profile, it only converts to retinol as needed, minimising the risk of toxicity while still meeting increased demands during gestation.

Postnatal
Vitamin A supports maternal immune resilience, tissue repair and lactation. It also contributes to the infant’s immune function through breast milk, particularly in the first few weeks after birth when passive immunity is most important.

Zinc

Zinc supports DNA synthesis, hormone production and immune health across all stages of the reproductive journey.

Female Fertility
Zinc plays a central role in ovulation, egg quality and luteal phase support. It contributes to hormone regulation, cellular repair and antioxidant defence, especially during periods of high oxidative stress such as IVF stimulation or age-related decline.

Male Fertility
Zinc is one of the most important minerals for male fertility, supporting testosterone production, sperm count and morphology. It protects sperm from oxidative damage and contributes to DNA integrity, making it vital for conception and embryo quality.

Pregnancy
Zinc supports foetal growth, neural tube development and immune regulation. Adequate maternal zinc intake has been associated with reduced risk of complications such as low birth weight and prolonged labour.

Postnatal
After birth, zinc contributes to wound healing, hormone rebalance and immune resilience. It also supports the transfer of immune factors through breast milk during early infancy.

Manganese

Manganese supports antioxidant activity, bone development and connective tissue repair across reproductive stages.

Male Fertility
In male fertility, manganese supports the function of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme that protects sperm from oxidative damage. It also plays a role in testosterone synthesis and connective tissue formation.

Female Fertility
Manganese is involved in energy metabolism, bone health and hormone production. Its antioxidant properties support ovarian health by protecting reproductive cells from oxidative stress. Manganese gluconate offers a well-tolerated form that complements broader micronutrient formulations.

Pregnancy
Manganese contributes to the normal formation of cartilage and bone, supporting the development of the foetal skeletal system. It also helps protect maternal tissues from oxidative stress and is included in pregnancy formulas to meet increased demand.

Calcium

Female Fertility: Helps to maintain normal muscle function and neurotransmission. Also assists in maintaining a healthy digestion

Pregnancy: Needed for the development of the nervous system and strong healthy bones and teeth

Postnatal: Needed for the development of your baby’s nervous system and strong, healthy bones and teeth

Chromium

Chromium supports blood sugar balance and insulin sensitivity and is used in fertility nutrition to support hormonal equilibrium and metabolic function.

Female Fertility
Chromium plays a key role in the regulation of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. It may be beneficial in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or those with signs of insulin resistance, where hormonal imbalance is linked to irregular cycles or anovulation. Chromium is often used in targeted fertility supplements to support metabolic and reproductive function.

Pregnancy
Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels, which is important during pregnancy when maternal metabolism adapts to support both mother and baby. Stable glucose regulation helps meet increased energy demands and supports overall maternal wellbeing throughout gestation.

Folate

Recommended by the NHS for fertility and pregnancy.

Female Fertility: Important to build stores prior to pregnancy. Needed for the development of red blood cells and DNA production

Male Fertility: Vitally important for the normal functioning of the immune system and for normal cell division

Pregnancy: Known to help prevent spina bifida. Works together with Vitamin B12 to ensure healthy cell-division and normal tissue growth during pregnancy

Postnatal: Promotes the production of new and healthy cells for your body. Supplementation can be valuable as good supplies are hard to get from food alone, especially when breastfeeding

Iodine

Potassium iodide provides iodine, an essential mineral that supports thyroid function and reproductive hormone balance.

Female Fertility
Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones, which are essential for ovulation and menstrual cycle regulation. Suboptimal iodine intake has been linked to reduced fertility and may delay conception.

Male Fertility
In men, thyroid hormones influence metabolism, testosterone production and spermatogenesis. Iodine supports thyroid integrity and indirectly contributes to healthy sperm parameters.

Pregnancy
Iodine demand increases significantly during pregnancy to support foetal brain development and maternal thyroid function. Potassium iodide provides a stable, well-tolerated form that helps meet these needs and supports neurological development from the earliest stages.

Postnatal
Iodine remains important during breastfeeding, as it supports the infant’s cognitive development and ensures maternal thyroid recovery after birth.