Optimising Your Pregnancy Health: Taking Proactive Steps for Better Outcomes
Pregnancy is often described as a magical time, but for many, it can also bring uncertainty, fear, and questions about how to optimise health and reduce risks. Genetic variations can influence pregnancy outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and small gestational age.
For those who have experienced recurring miscarriages, gestational complications, or have a family history of these issues, understanding your unique genetic profile with GrowBaby can be incredibly powerful. Insights from the test allow you to take proactive steps, tailor your nutrition and lifestyle, and work with healthcare providers—or a specialist—to reduce risks and support a healthier pregnancy journey.
I have completed the GrowBaby practitioner training and am excited to start offering this test in my clinic in 2026, helping women take proactive steps to optimise their health and improve pregnancy outcomes for themselves and their babies. For more details on the test, visit GrowBaby test.
My Personal Experience
During my first pregnancy, I believed my body could handle everything naturally. I didn’t take prenatal vitamins, maintained a high-sugar, low-nutrient diet, and was largely sedentary. I didn’t think supplements or tailored nutrition were necessary. Looking back, I realise how unprepared I was—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
That lack of preparation collided with a life-threatening complication: eclampsia—the most severe progression of pre-eclampsia. I had never even heard of pre-eclampsia at the time. My labour ended in an emergency C-section, and I spent days in intensive care, separated from my newborn daughter. The experience was physically and emotionally overwhelming, but it completely reshaped how I approach pregnancy, preconception, and supporting other women.
It was only 20 years later, when I had the opportunity and curiosity to do my own GrowBaby test, that I truly understood why my body responded the way it did. Looking at my report, I could see that there were eight gene variants associated with pre-eclampsia, and I had four out of eight. These included variants linked to methylation and detoxification pathways (phase 1 and 2).
Methylation is a process your body uses to turn nutrients into the building blocks for cells and DNA repair. When this pathway is less efficient, it can affect how your body manages inflammation and pregnancy stress.
Detoxification phase 1 and 2 describe how your liver processes and eliminates toxins. Phase 1 changes chemicals into forms that your body can more easily process, and phase 2 adds another step to make them safe to remove. Variants here can make toxin clearance less efficient, which can influence pregnancy health.
Additionally, the report looked at five gene variants associated with small gestational age, and I had one out of five, indicating that while my baby was less at risk for growth restriction, my focus needed to be on pre-eclampsia prevention.
Looking back, this gave me a clear indication of where I should have focused, not only during my first pregnancy—when I was young and unaware of the risks—but definitely during my second one. I knew what had happened previously, but I didn’t realise how common these conditions were. At the time, I was told there was nothing to do beyond taking aspirin and monitoring my blood pressure. With the GrowBaby insights I now have, I could have personalised my diet, supplementation, and lifestyle to better support my body and potentially reduce my risk.
Why Knowing Your Genes Matters
Genes influence how our bodies process nutrients, respond to stress, and manage pregnancy-related risks. For those who have experienced miscarriage, gestational complications, or have a family history of these issues, knowing your gene variations can provide critical insights:
Understanding inherited risks: If a family member has experienced complications such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, you may be at higher risk. Genetic insights allow you to be proactive.
Tailoring your preconception plan: Your genes reveal nutrient needs and potential vulnerabilities. Armed with this information, you can make personalised changes to diet, supplementation, and lifestyle.
Reducing recurring complications: For those who have experienced miscarriage or pregnancy loss, identifying genetic factors can help mitigate risks and improve future outcomes.
Knowledge is power. By understanding your genetic variations, you can take steps to ensure that history does not repeat itself, and that your pregnancy journey is as safe and healthy as possible.
Lifestyle and Diet: Small Changes, Big Impact
Even with genetic insights, lifestyle and diet remain critical. Understanding your genes allows you to personalise these areas for maximum benefit. In my experience, making small, targeted changes made a huge difference:
Personalised supplementation: Standard prenatal vitamins may not meet your specific needs. Testing ensures your body gets exactly what it requires.
Gentle, consistent activity: Activities such as yoga or pilates improved my circulation, reduced stress, and helped me feel more resilient.
Balanced nutrition: Focusing on nutrient-rich foods tailored to my profile supported healthy development for my baby and reduced the risk of complications.
These changes are not drastic; they are simple, actionable steps that, when combined with genetic insights, can dramatically improve outcomes.
Taking Control of Your Pregnancy Journey
High-risk pregnancies, recurring miscarriages, and familial history of complications can feel overwhelming. But understanding your genetic profile provides a roadmap. You can take preventative action, optimise health, and work alongside your healthcare team with confidence.
For me, it was a turning point. Instead of feeling powerless, I could make informed decisions. Instead of worrying about repeating my own complications, I could actively reduce the risks for my future pregnancies.
Reflection and Empowerment
I wish I had known my gene variations before my first pregnancy. The frustration of feeling unprepared, despite doing what I thought was enough, is something I do not want anyone else to experience. Sharing my journey encourages other parents-to-be to be proactive, not reactive.
If you have experienced miscarriage, gestational complications, or have a family history of these issues, here are some steps we can take together:
DM me and we can talk about the GrowBaby test and if this is something for you
After doing the test and getting results, we will have a consultation to tailor a plan for you based on your lifestyle, nutrition, bloods, and genetic profile
We can monitor progress, and I can be there all the way to support those changes
Remember, knowledge is empowerment, not fear
For more information on the test, visit GrowBaby test.
Take the Next Step
Every pregnancy is unique, and personalised insights can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your baby. Get in touch if you are interested to rewrite your story and ending. Let me help you personalise your preconception or pregnancy plan.
With the right knowledge, small, targeted changes, and proactive planning, you can take control of your pregnancy journey and create the best possible start for you and your baby.