Pregnancy: Walking with Wisdom, Not Just Appointments

Pregnancy is a sacred rite of passage. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s miraculous — and often, it’s overwhelming. From the moment those two lines appear, it can feel like a whirlwind: appointments, scans, blood tests, nursery lists, and well-meaning advice from every direction. And yet, amidst all the noise, so many women still feel deeply underprepared — physically, emotionally, spiritually. Because the truth is, pregnancy care in our modern system often prioritises checkboxes over consciousness. But your body? Your body holds an ancient intelligence. It knows how to grow life. It also knows when something’s off. Which is why we need to return to a place of trusting our inner wisdom — while staying informed and supported.

Beyond the Standard Prenatal Visit

Standard pregnancy care does many amazing things — but it’s not the full picture.

Being truly prepared means becoming educated and armed with information, so you’re not just relying on the 15-minute check-ins to guide your journey. It means tuning into your body, learning what it needs, and making empowered choices — not passive ones.

Too often, women are told their blood work is “fine” because it falls within the standard reference range. But fine is not the same as optimal.

In pregnancy, we are building a whole new human — brain, bones, organs, immune system. This takes extraordinary amounts of nutrients. When your levels of iron, vitamin D, thyroid hormones, and folate are simply average, your baby will take what they need — and you’re left depleted.

And that depletion doesn’t always show up immediately. Sometimes it whispers in the third trimester as insomnia, exhaustion, or a fog you can’t shake. Sometimes it roars in postpartum. Sometimes, it lingers for years.

Start Nourishing Early

The earlier you start, the more gently your body can adjust.

This is why preconception care matters so deeply — because when the first trimester hits, and nausea makes food unbearable, you’ll be glad you began filling your nutrient stores before the baby arrived.

Pregnancy often brings aversions: the smell of meat, the taste of coffee, the sudden disgust at your go-to dinners. This isn’t just inconvenience — it’s evolution.

Our bodies, in their infinite wisdom, are trying to protect us. During the most fragile stage of fetal development, when organs are forming and everything is so exquisitely sensitive, we’re hardwired to avoid anything that could be toxic or contaminated.

So if you’ve ever wondered why you suddenly can’t handle garlic, or why walking past the butcher makes you gag — know that there’s a deeper reason. Your body is speaking ancient truth.

Monitor, Replenish, Repeat

Pregnancy isn’t a set-and-forget situation. Your needs change week by week. Blood work should not be a one-off occurrence. I recommend checking key markers every couple of months throughout pregnancy to stay on top of what your body and baby need.

Here’s where to start:

• Iron studies (including ferritin and haemoglobin) – low iron can lead to fatigue, poor oxygen delivery, and challenges during birth.

• Vitamin D – essential for immune health, bone development, and mood regulation.

• TSH, T3, T4 – your thyroid is working overtime to support this new life. Subclinical hypothyroidism is common and often missed.

• Folate (and B12) – critical for neural tube development, cellular energy, and preventing birth defects.

  
  

Don’t be afraid to ask for your results. Don’t hesitate to question if they say “you’re fine.” Advocate for optimal — because your energy, your baby’s development, and your postnatal recovery depend on it.

Remember, You’re the Guardian of This Journey

You are the vessel through which life is flowing. And with that comes great wisdom — and great responsibility.

This is not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing it consciously. It’s about slowing down enough to listen to your inner guidance. It’s about asking the deeper questions. And it’s about preparing your body in a way that honours both you and the little soul you’re nurturing.

Because this is not just nine months. This is the beginning of a lifelong journey — for both of you.