Nutrient Partitioning in Pregnancy: Why Your Body Feeds Baby First
Pregnant woman
The Incredible Intelligence of the Pregnant Body
Pregnancy is often described as miraculous — and when you look at how the body manages nutrients, it’s not hard to see why.
From the moment of implantation, your body begins a process called nutrient partitioning. It’s a biological strategy that ensures your baby gets the nutrients they need to grow, often even at your own expense.
This means your developing baby is always prioritised — even if your own nutritional stores are running low.
What Is Nutrient Partitioning?
Nutrient partitioning refers to how your body distributes the energy and nutrients you eat. During pregnancy, this shifts dramatically:
Glucose is redirected to the placenta to fuel rapid fetal growth.
Iron and B12 are directed to baby’s red blood cell production and brain development.
Omega-3 fatty acids (like DHA) are channelled toward building your baby’s brain and nervous system.
Calcium is pulled from your own stores (including your bones!) to help form your baby’s skeleton.
In essence: your baby eats first.
The Impact on You
Because your body is biologically wired to protect your baby’s development, your own needs can take a hit — especially if you enter pregnancy with low nutrient reserves or don’t receive enough support during the trimesters.
This can lead to:
Pregnancy fatigue
Low iron or B12
Cramping or restless legs
Hair loss and brittle nails postnatally
Mood dips or poor recovery in the fourth trimester
This is why proactive nutrition in pregnancy isn’t a luxury — it’s foundational care.
Practical Nutritional Advice for Pregnancy
To support both your growing baby and your own body, consider the following:
Prioritise iron-rich foods: Include red meat, lentils, leafy greens, and iron-fortified grains. Pair with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption.
Incorporate omega-3s: Eat oily fish like salmon or sardines 2x per week, or supplement with pregnancy-safe DHA if you’re plant-based.
Don't skip complex carbohydrates: Brown rice, oats, and quinoa help maintain energy and support steady blood sugar — critical for both you and baby.
Support calcium intake: Opt for dairy, tofu, almonds, and fortified plant milks to help meet the increased demand.
Stay hydrated: Water supports nutrient delivery and blood volume expansion. Aim for at least 2 litres a day.
Supplement wisely: A high-quality prenatal should contain bioavailable folate (not just folic acid), iron, B12, and choline. Speak to a professional to tailor your supplements to your needs.
How Nutritional Therapy Supports You and Baby
At The Bubba & Me Club, we work with experienced practitioners like Kat D’Andrea, a registered nutritional therapist, to help you:
Replenish critical nutrients during pregnancy
Support hormonal balance and digestion
Minimise inflammation and fatigue
Prepare your body for labour and postnatal recovery
To celebrate our move to One Health, Tunbridge Wells, Kat is offering free 20-minute discovery sessions (in-clinic or online) for the first week of July. If you're in the fertility or pregnancy stage, this is a perfect time to check in and get tailored advice.
Book your free session here.
Not Just Birth Prep — Full Body Nourishment
Unlike many antenatal education offerings, our courses include a dedicated module on pregnancy and postnatal nutrition. We explore the physiological changes happening week by week — and how your diet, supplements and routines can adapt to support both baby and you.
Here’s a glimpse of what we cover:
How to optimise nutrient intake trimester by trimester
When and how to supplement (and what to watch for in labels)
Understanding increased caloric and micronutrient needs
Simple, realistic food strategies for busy or tired days
How your nutritional needs evolve into the fourth trimester
We go beyond generic food charts — helping you understand why your body’s needs shift, how to spot signs of depletion, and how to stay strong and well-nourished throughout.
Whether you're in Tunbridge Wells, the South East, or joining us online, we’re here to support you with evidence-based, compassionate care that’s rooted in physiology, not just tradition.
