Is it Safe to Eat Seaweed During Pregnancy?

So, chances are you’re reading this because you’re pregnant…

Or you’re trying for a baby. Or maybe you’re actually just interested in the workings of a pregnant human and are curious as to what exactly the benefits of eating seaweed during pregnancy are? Whatever the reason, it’s important to know that before making any major changes to your diet, you should always consult your GP.

Carrying a child is such an incredible thing. You’ll do anything and everything to ensure it is born as healthy and happy as possible. Now, you’ve probably all heard the saying “eating for two” and although you don’t necessarily need to DOUBLE your food intake when carrying a baby, you do need to be mindful that the little human inside of you needs all of the right vitamins, nutrients and minerals too!

According to medical research, it is suggested that in order for a pregnant woman to meet the requirements of her foetus, there must be a 50% increase in the amount of iodine consumed. Even without the added strain of pregnancy, it can be difficult to find foods that are rich in iodine, particularly if you happen to follow a meat-free or plant-based, vegan diet.

But what is iodine?

Iodine is something a lot of people know very little about. It’s also something that can have an effect on your thyroid, cognitive function, metabolism, nervous system, skin, and the growth of children. Research has been conducted suggesting that during pregnancy, severe iodine deficiency can ultimately result in damage to brain development of the unborn child. Iodine deficiency in an adult can often cause fatigue, hair loss, changes in heart rate and overall weakness of the body. All are symptoms that could potentially affect your ability to fully engage and care for your new-born child.

Seaweed for iodine

Seaweed is one of the best natural sources of iodine, which is part of the reason why it has been labelled one of the future sustainable foods that’s key for your health.

Iodine is hugely important for yourself, including for thyroid function. Seaweed naturally contains iodine, as well as many vital vitamins and minerals. This includes potassium and magnesium, which are present in salt. This means that, as a salt replacement, seaweed can be effective in ensuring that you don’t ingest too much sodium.

For vegan women, the pressures on your diet during pregnancy can be even greater. But as a natural source of iron, seaweed can help to tackle key vegan diet deficiencies.

So, what about eating seaweed during pregnancy?

There are thousands of different species of seaweed in the world. So, before you grab your wellies and head to your nearest beach to start foraging, it’s probably best to look at the amount of iodine seaweed contains. The organic Hebridean Ascophyllum seaweed used in all of Doctor Seaweed’s Weed & Wonderful® products is tested using unique DNA Authentication. We can trace the amount of iodine and other essential nutrients in each batch – meaning getting your intake of seaweed during pregnancy has never been easier!

With lots of pregnant women now choosing to stay in work right up until they’re about to pop, it can leave little time for cooking and experimenting with new foods. Eating seaweed during pregnancy, although massively beneficial, is often not an option due to lack of time and availability of the produce. This is why so many women are now opting for supplements to support them. Just two of Doctor Seaweed’s Weed & Wonderful® Organic Seaweed Supplements contain as much iodine as 3 mackerel and as much iron as 30g of spinach! In fact, Doctor Seaweed’s® wife swore by the supplements during her most recent pregnancy and noticed a significant improvement to her wellbeing!

As well as being vital for foetal development, consuming seaweed during pregnancy ensures that as a mother, you’re wellbeing is kept tip top. (So now the only thing causing your tiredness is your little monster)!

by Hannah Banks