When people talk about preparing for birth, they often focus on:

💬 “Do your kegels.”

💬 “Practice your breathing techniques.”

💬 “Make sure you pack your hospital bag.”

But very few people talk about one of the most crucial aspects of a healthy pregnancy and recovery:

💡 Blood volume expansion & nutrition.

Today, we’re diving into:

✔ Why blood volume expansion is essential for preventing complications.

✔ How the Brewer’s Diet supports a healthy pregnancy.

✔ How proper nutrition can prevent pre-eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and other common issues.

Because nutrition isn’t just about avoiding junk food—it’s about fueling your body for birth and recovery.

🔥 Blood Volume Expansion – Why It Matters for Pregnancy & Birth

During pregnancy, your blood volume needs to increase by 50-60% to support your growing baby and placenta.

This extra blood volume ensures that:

✔ The placenta gets enough oxygen and nutrients.

✔ Your uterus functions properly during labour.

✔ You have enough reserves to handle normal blood loss after birth.

🚨 If your blood volume doesn’t expand properly, you may be at higher risk for:

❌ Pre-eclampsia & high blood pressure

❌ Postpartum hemorrhage

❌ Low amniotic fluid levels

❌ Poor fetal growth & premature birth

💡 The key to healthy blood volume expansion? PROTEIN & MINERALS.

🥩 The Brewer’s Diet – A Nutritional Approach to Pregnancy Health

Dr. Tom Brewer spent decades researching why some women developed pre-eclampsia, preterm labour, and growth-restricted babies.

What did he find?

💡 The key factor was a lack of adequate protein, salt, and nutrients needed for blood volume expansion.

🚀 This led him to develop the Brewer’s Diet—a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet designed to prevent common pregnancy complications.

🍳 What Does the Brewer’s Diet Include?

To support proper blood volume expansion, the Brewer’s Diet focuses on:

✔ 80-100g of protein per day – Found in eggs, meat, fish, dairy, beans, and nuts.

✔ Salt (yes, SALT!) – Essential for proper blood volume and preventing swelling.

✔ Plenty of whole food fats – Avocados, butter, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

✔ Iron-rich foods – Liver, dark leafy greens, and red meat to prevent anemia.

✔ Adequate hydration – 2-3L of water daily, plus herbal teas and electrolytes.

🚀 Pregnancy isn’t a time for calorie restriction—it’s a time for nutrient DENSITY.

🚑 How Nutrition Impacts Common Pregnancy Complications

Many pregnancy complications are linked to poor nutrition and inadequate blood volume expansion.

🚨 Pre-eclampsia (High Blood Pressure & Swelling)

💡 Caused by poor blood circulation & inadequate protein intake.

✔ The Brewer’s Diet increases blood volume, preventing high blood pressure.

🚨 Postpartum Hemorrhage

💡 Women with low blood volume are at higher risk of excessive bleeding after birth.

✔ Proper nutrition ensures your body can handle normal blood loss.

🚨 Low Amniotic Fluid

💡 Often linked to dehydration and low protein intake.

✔ Increasing water, electrolytes, and protein can help maintain fluid levels.

💡 Instead of waiting for problems to arise, proper nutrition can help prevent them.

🍽 Simple Ways to Improve Pregnancy Nutrition TODAY

Even if you’re not following the full Brewer’s Diet, small changes can make a big impact.

🥩 Increase Protein – Aim for 3-4 servings of high-quality protein daily.

🧂 Don’t Fear Salt – If you’re not swelling abnormally, listen to your cravings for salt. (NOT TABLE SALT)

🥑 Eat Healthy Fats – Support your hormones and baby’s brain development.

🥬 Prioritise Minerals – Magnesium, calcium, and potassium are key for healthy circulation.

💧 Hydrate Properly – Sip water all day and add electrolytes if needed.

🚀 Your body is doing the hardest work it has ever done—fuel it properly!

💡 What This Means for You

✔ What you eat in pregnancy directly impacts your birth & recovery.

✔ Blood volume expansion is crucial for preventing complications.

✔ Protein, salt, and minerals are your best friends in pregnancy.

✔ You can start making small, powerful changes TODAY.

So today, ask yourself:

💡 Am I eating enough protein to support my body & baby?

💡 Could I improve my hydration & mineral intake?

💡 What’s one simple change I can make today to nourish my pregnancy better?

🚀 Because when you fuel your body well, you set yourself up for a smoother birth & recovery.

14. The Role of Nutrition in Birth & Recovery: Why Blood Volume Expansion & Protein Matter More Than You Think

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