The Core Prenatal is more than just a supplement; it's a comprehensive blend of holistic nourishment and care for mothers who want to take charge of their pregnancy journey.
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While we wish a smooth labor was as easy to obtain as reading one blog post, we know that it is an approach from many angles. There is so much that we cannot control in pregnancy and labor, but there are still things that we can do that will help to facilitate our best possible outcomes. Just one of those things is to nourish your body and supplement well, making sure that it is working optimally and efficiently throughout your pregnancy.
Vitamin A isn't the most popular vitamins in pregnancy, but it has multiple benefits, especially in the third trimester when it teams up with oxytocin to help your labor.
Vitamin A in Pregnancy
Vitamin A supports the development of the baby’s heart, lungs, kidneys, and eyes. It also helps mom and baby’s immune systems.
Vitamin A and Oxytocin
Oxytocin, aka the “love hormone” is a critical component in initiating and progressing labor. This is the hormone that triggers the uterus to contract. There is some research that suggest that vitamin A may influence the expression of oxytocin receptors in the uterus, which allows the uterus to respond to the oxytocin hormone being produced. When the uterus responds, it contracts, which is exactly what labor needs to progress. If vitamin A helps this process, there is the possibility that being deficient in vitamin A could lead to a stalled labor or ineffective contractions.
In the final several weeks of pregnancy, the uterus increases the number of oxytocin receptors to be fully prepared for labor. This is a crucial time to ensure that you are consuming a nutritious meal as well as supplementing with a high quality prenatal vitamin in order to maximize your body’s efforts in labor.
Vitamin A Deficiency and Labor
When vitamin A levels are low, it can disrupt the body’s ability to prepare for labor. Potential consequences could include:
Stalled labor: Without enough oxytocin receptors, the uterus may not respond effectively to oxytocin, leading to labor that progresses slowly or stalls.
Weakened contractions: Impaired receptor expression could result in weaker uterine contractions, making labor more challenging and increasing the risk of medical interventions.
Vitamin A Supplementation Safety
Vitamin A is available in two main forms:
Preformed Vitamin A (retinol): Found in animal sources like liver, eggs, and dairy.
Provitamin A (beta-carotene): Found in plant-based foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens. The body converts beta-carotene into active vitamin A as needed, making it a safer option for supplementation during pregnancy.
Recommended Intake:
The recommended dietary allowance for pregnant women is 770 mcg RAE/day.
The upper limit for preformed vitamin A (retinol) is 3,000 mcg RAE/day due to the risk of toxicity. Beta-carotene, on the other hand, does not carry the same risk, since the body regulates its conversion to active vitamin A.
Focus on the Third Trimester
To support labor preparation, consider adding the following to your routine during the third trimester:
Prenatal Supplements: Choose a prenatal vitamin that provides vitamin A from beta-carotene to safely meet your needs.
Nutrient-Dense Foods: Incorporate vitamin A-rich foods into your diet, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, and animal products like eggs and grass-fed butter.
Targeted Liver Support: For those who consume organ meats, small amounts of grass-fed beef liver provide preformed vitamin A in its natural form. For example, 400 mg of beef liver in a third-trimester supplement provides a safe boost of retinol.
Holistic Benefits of Vitamin A in Labor
By ensuring adequate vitamin A intake, you’re not only supporting oxytocin receptor development but also:
Reducing the risk of preterm labor by promoting uterine health.
Enhancing postpartum recovery through improved immune function.
Supporting your baby’s transition to life outside the womb, as vitamin A contributes to lung maturation and development.
Vitamin A plays a powerful role in preparing the body for labor and delivery. By ensuring you’re meeting your needs through a combination of diet and supplements, you’re helping your body and your baby in profound ways. As you enter the final weeks of pregnancy, focus on nourishing your body with this vital nutrient to set the stage for a smoother, more effective labor.
Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your supplementation routine, especially during pregnancy.
