#143: Supplements in Pregnancy: What You SHOULD and SHOULD NOT Take
Pregnant and wanting to learn how to optimize your health, prepare for birth, learn to breastfeed, and heal during postpartum? Come take Dr. Morgan’s pregnancy class!
Not every supplement in pregnancy is harmless. Some can actually increase risk for you and your baby.
Pregnancy supplements can be sorted into clear buckets: hard yes, maybe, and hard no. In this episode, you’re going to learn our core essentials, the optional add-ons that depend on your labs and symptoms, and the products that sound helpful online but clash with how a pregnant body actually works. We draw the line on some popular herbs, powders, and nervous system helpers, and for good reason—these decisions are shaped by both research limits and real clinical experience.
If you’re pregnant and staring at a cabinet full of bottles scratching your head, the real challenge isn’t finding more options; it’s knowing which few are worth taking and when. You’ll receive insights on how we think about risk, timing, and dose, when we’ll push harder on something like immune support to avoid medications, and where we’d rather you do nothing than experiment. A small, intentional stack can serve you better than chasing every trending supplement.
You’ll Learn:
[00:00] Introduction
[03:07] The overlooked problem with most prenatals and why ingredient form matters
[04:30] The simple rule that prevents most women from absorbing iron properly
[07:11] The hidden reason pregnant women shouldn’t fear vitamin A
[09:20] How magnesium becomes a multipurpose lifesaver for sleep, cramps, and digestion
[09:55] The real vitamin D levels you should aim for
[17:04] When probiotics actually matter in pregnancy, and when they don’t
[20:16] The surprising list of safe remedies you can use when you get sick while pregnant
[27:05] The trending supplements that truly are safe
[41:03] The herbs you must avoid because they disrupt hormones and fetal development
Resources Mentioned:
Orthomolecular Vitamin D3 + K2 Drops | Website
Healthy as a Mother episode on Baby Brain Support in Pregnancy with Dr. Ari Calhoun | Spotify or Apple
Dr. Morgan's Managing Illness While Pregnant or Breastfeeding Course | Website
Find more from Dr. Leah:
Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram
Dr. Leah Gordon | Website
Womanhood Wellness | Website
Find more from Dr. Morgan:
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website
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