Uterine Fluid May Be Preparing Your Baby for the Outside World
February 20, 2018
A woman’s uterine fluid impacts many stages of pregnancy. Prior to conception, uterine fluid helps create an environment that’s ideal for sperm to navigate to an unfertilized egg. After conception, uterine fluid supports the embryo as it implants into the uterine wall. But a recent study now indicates that uterine fluid also may play a role in how stresses on the mother in the outside world are communicated to the developing baby.
Studies have shown that information from a mother’s environment can leave markers on the DNA of her baby in utero.1 These markers can potentially influence the progression and long-term health of the developing embryo.1 Environmental impacts to the mother, such as food
or nutrient shortages, stress or pollutant exposure, can have an impact on a developing embryo.
Scientists have theorized that such environmental conditions are communicated through blood flow from the placenta to the baby. But new evidence suggests that a baby in utero may suggests that uterine fluid is the communication medium that transfers information to the floating embryo about the mother’s environment.1
Pre-Implantation Is a Critical Window
Nutrition deficiencies, food availability, stress and pollutants may impact an embryo on the cellular level early in pregnancy. The preimplantation period is a critical time for programming a baby’s health.1 Therefore, expecting mothers should try to follow a good diet and stay in a good mood, and keep away from harmful chemicals during this critical window. To fill nutritional gaps and ensure that they and their babies are receiving sufficient vitamins and minerals, expecting moms should take a daily prenatal vitamin. The Prenate® Vitamin Family offers a line of prenatal vitamins that are designed to carry moms and their babies through preconception to pregnancy and into the weeks and months after delivery. These vitamins are specifically formulated to fit preconception and first-trimester needs:
- Prenate Pixie® is our smallest softgel prenatal vitamin. It can be taken before conception
and is mighty enough to support moms and babies through pregnancy. - Prenate Mini® is a small but robust softgel prenatal supplement with 14 nutrient forms.Talk to your doctor to see if a Prenate® vitamin is right for you.
