When it comes to pregnancy, a myriad of factors, elements, and pressures come into play, influenced by societal 'norms' and scientific knowledge. As a woman currently navigating the unique journey of pregnancy, being energetically aware and in tune with your body, it's a challenging task to discern what is right versus what is not, especially if it's your first time and you're 'Learning the ropes.'
As you 'learn the ropes' of pregnancy, your routine may shift, your mental state may fluctuate, and your hormone levels may change.
Your nutrition becomes more crucial than ever, as you're now responsible for providing the necessary resources for the tiny life growing inside you. This realization empowers you to make informed choices about what you consume and put into your body, all while managing your mental health in a way that allows you to be authentically you - especially if you live a plant-based, natural lifestyle.
In this post, we'll go over how I struggled with maintaining my quality of life while experiencing the whirlwind of pregnancy, and ultimately, how I used my intuition, to make the best decision for me and the miracle growing inside me.
Key Takeaways
My Journey with Supplements
I've always struggled with energy levels, focus, and ADHD symptoms, yet I always was passionate about my line of work, which kept me going - Luckily.
Because my line of work involves getting clients in a meditative state 88% of the time.
Naturally, my theta state is constant - even on days I wouldn't have clients.
So, I felt like I was always missing something because being in theta is good until it's not good and keeps you from moving forward.
After much trial and error, I found a stack that was the best for my body performance to keep me going and assisted my mental mind with an easy on-off switch of theta and alpha mind states.
This stack creates a win-win for client and non-client days through the brand Performance Lab.
Understanding Nootropics
Nootropics, often dubbed as "smart compounds," are substances designed to enhance cognitive functions. They aid in various mental tasks such as memory retention, attention, creativity, and motivation, boosting overall brain performance.
Types and Sources of Nootropics
These cognitive enhancers come in many forms. Traditional natural sources include renowned mushrooms like reishi and lion’s mane. Additionally, nootropics encompass compounds that boost neurotransmitter production, such as L-theanine and good old caffeine.
Time-honored adaptogens like ashwagandha and ginkgo biloba frequently feature in traditional medicinal routines, thanks to their brain-boosting properties as well.
Historical Context and Modern Usage
Nootropics are not just a modern trend; they have deep roots in historical medical practices. They have been utilized for centuries in traditions like Chinese medicine, Japanese herbal practices, and Ayurvedic healing.
Despite their recent surge in popularity within the health and wellness sphere, nootropics have been integral to human health practices for generations.
But does this change for pregnancy?
Can You take Nootropics while Pregnant? My Experience
Mind Lab Pro is a comprehensive nootropic supplement designed to enhance mental clarity, focus, and overall brain health. It uses natural, research-backed ingredients while supporting balanced energies and cognitive function throughout the day.
Mind Lab Pro has been like a genie in a bottle for me, a magic potion in my day that allowed me to bio-hack the constant theta state issue I had been experiencing for years. It was the missing piece of the puzzle that helped me maintain my energy levels and focus, especially during my work with clients.
Once, I became pregnant, but at the time, didn't know I was - I was taking Mind Lab Pro, taking at least two capsules a day within 3.5- maybe 4 weeks into my first trimester.
The bottle says: "Warning: DO NOT use if pregnant, nursing or under the age of 18"
Once I found out I was pregnant, I got really nervous about what I could and could not take, what I should be taking, and where to find the right resources for who to reach out to even ask these questions.
Naturally, it would be your doctor, but I was in a situation where I had never been pregnant before, a professional energy worker of over 12 plus years, really in tune and energetically aware of my body and the changes happening, nearly freaking out trying to hold it together, and in a completely foreign country that didn't speak English.
It was an interesting place and environment to be, to say the least.
Intuitively, taking Mind Lab Pro was OK because I'd already been taking it for so long, and we conceived with the supplements in my system. Still, looking on Google and reading up on the product itself and the individual ingredients, I noticed so much information that all pointed to not taking it, staying away from it, and completely avoiding it.
So, in scarcity mode, not finding at least one person to validate how I was feeling about this genie in a bottle that I had built up in my system, I decided to stop taking it altogether.
Shortly after, I can honestly say I fell through a deep depression during my first trimester, and looking back on it, it probably had something to do with not just the natural pregnancy changes but also the lack of supplementation that I was missing for my own mental health and well-being and the sudden stop of Mind Lab Pro.
This realization led me to write this article providing my research because, as an energy bio-hacker, I want to find the best outcome for me, which may help you, too.
Key Ingredients in Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro is formulated with a blend of natural, research-backed ingredients designed to enhance mental clarity, focus, and overall brain health.
Each ingredient plays a unique role in supporting cognitive function and overall wellness. In the context of pregnancy, it's crucial to understand the benefits and potential risks of these ingredients to make informed decisions.
Below, you can explore the critical components of Mind Lab Pro and their implications for maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.
Vitamins B6, B9, and B12
These essential B vitamins come from plant-based sources like leafy greens, fruits, and fortified foods. They are carefully extracted and processed to maintain their potency and efficacy.
- Vitamin B6: Supports brain development and immune function and helps alleviate morning sickness symptoms (NIH, American Pregnancy Association).
- Vitamin B9 (Folate): Crucial for DNA synthesis and cell growth, prevents neural tube defects in the developing fetus (NIH, CDC).
- Vitamin B12: Necessary for red blood cell formation and neurological function, supports fetal brain development, and prevents anemia in the mother (NIH, American Pregnancy Association).
These essential B vitamins are critical during pregnancy for both the mother's and baby's health. Trusting your body and intuition and ensuring adequate intake of these vitamins can support a healthy pregnancy and fetal development.
Citicoline
Citicoline is synthesized from choline and found in foods like eggs and soybeans. It is produced through a fermentation process that ensures high purity and bioavailability.
- Cognitive Support: Enhances cognitive function and supports memory and learning (NCBI).
- Neuroprotection: Promotes healthy brain cell membranes and supports neural health (NIH).
Citicoline can provide the cognitive support needed during pregnancy, helping to maintain mental clarity and memory. While specific research on its use in pregnancy is limited, its general benefits make it a potentially safe option when taken under medical supervision.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa Monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb that grows in wetlands and marshy areas in India. It is harvested by hand, preserving the plant's integrity and active compounds.
- Cognitive Enhancement: Traditionally used to improve memory and reduce anxiety (NCBI, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect).
- Safety During Pregnancy: Limited research, but traditionally used with no significant adverse effects in general populations.
Bacopa Monnieri offers cognitive enhancement and anxiety reduction, both of which can be beneficial during pregnancy. In my experience, this herb may be considered safe when used cautiously.
Organic Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane mushroom is cultivated on organic farms, typically on hardwood substrates. It is harvested when fully mature to maximize its neuroprotective compounds.
Lion's Mane is known for its neuroprotective properties. Although research specific to pregnancy is limited, its traditional use suggests it may be safe under medical guidance.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine is extracted from soy or sunflower lecithin using a non-GMO process, ensuring a high-quality phospholipid that supports cognitive health.
- Cognitive Support: Supports memory, attention, and processing speed (NCBI).
- Stress Reduction: Modulates cortisol levels, aiding stress management (ScienceDirect).
Phosphatidylserine supports cognitive function and stress reduction, both critical during pregnancy. While direct research on its use in pregnancy is sparse, its benefits suggest it could be a supportive supplement with careful use.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)
N-acetyl L-tyrosine is synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine, which is found in foods like dairy products and meat. The synthesis process ensures a stable and bioavailable form.
- Cognitive Function: Supports neurotransmitter synthesis, which can help maintain cognitive function and alleviate symptoms of "pregnancy brain." (NCBI).
- Stress Reduction: Helps manage stress and improve mood by influencing neurotransmitter levels (WebMD).
NALT offers cognitive and mood support, which is crucial during pregnancy's mental and emotional fluctuations. If you trust your body's needs, NALT might be a beneficial addition.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is naturally found in green tea leaves.
It is extracted through a water-based process that preserves its calming properties without chemical residues.
L-theanine promotes relaxation and stress reduction, enhancing overall well-being during pregnancy. Given its calming effects, it can be a valuable support with minimal risk.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is a hardy plant that grows in cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. To protect its natural habitat, it is sustainably harvested from the wild, often by hand.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)
Maritime Pine Bark Extract is sourced from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. The bark is sustainably harvested, producing the extract using a water-based extraction method to retain its antioxidant properties.
- Improved Blood Flow: Enhances blood flow and reduces edema, which is beneficial during pregnancy (WebMD, ResearchGate).
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Manages oxidative stress and inflammation during pregnancy (NCBI).
Maritime Pine Bark Extract offers benefits for blood flow and inflammation management. While specific research on its safety in pregnancy is limited, its general health benefits and antioxidant properties make it a potentially supportive supplement.
Each ingredient in Mind Lab Pro offers unique benefits that can support mental clarity, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
While specific research on the safety of these ingredients during pregnancy is limited, their traditional use and general health benefits provide a basis for their potential safety.
What Supplements Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
When you’re expecting, it’s crucial to be cautious about the supplements you take, as some can pose risks to you and your baby.
Key Supplements to Avoid:
- Vitamin A: While important for vision and immunity, excessive amounts can lead to birth defects.
- Vitamin E: High doses might increase the risk of abdominal pain and premature membrane rupture.
- Dong Quai: An herbal remedy often used for menstrual support, it may cause uterine contractions.
Herbal Products:
- Echinacea: Primarily used for colds, but its safety during pregnancy hasn’t been established.
- Ginkgo Biloba: Known for improving memory, it can lead to bleeding issues.
- Ginseng: Often used for boosting energy, but it may affect fetal development.
- Kava: Typically used for anxiety relief; however, it can be toxic to the liver.
Other Considerations:
- St. John’s Wort: Commonly taken for depression, it might interfere with pregnancy hormones.
- Yohimbe: Marketed for enhancing energy and sexual function, but linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Navigating Medical Advice and Personal Intuition
Still, sometimes the medical system is a bit behind, and may not have all the facts. I knew what this product did for me before pregnancy, and how it made me feel at the beginning of my pregnancy.
Surely, if I moderate my dosages, this could be safe to take, right?
When I finally arrived in an English-speaking country, I can remember talking to my midwife about my history with Mind Lab Pro and the struggles I was encountering bringing the physical bottle in for further medical investigation.
Her initial reaction was a scowl, almost taken aback and slightly confused.
She was visibly showing that she had never seen this product before, which is understandable with so many different brands out there.
She then went to her computer, did some searches, and told me she would get back to me in a personal message after looking more into some of the ingredients.
I knew then, and there she was, leaning towards no; her body clenched, and her energy was like a slice of thick bread that was hard to chew—but growing up in this society, I still wanted to double-check with outside sources since this is my first pregnancy, secretly holding onto the hope of getting assurance from a medical person.
Shortly after my appointment, I received a personal message on my medical account saying to avoid the product altogether without explanation.
This news was devastating!
Is Mind Lab Pro Safe for Pregnancy?
Since there isn't enough medical research on the efficacy or safety of the ingredients in large controlled studies, it is still inconclusive to know for sure if taking Mind Lab Pro is safe for all pregnancies.
Still, I have decided that taking Mind Lab Pro for myself, while pregnant, serves me in a way that is more beneficial to my body and mind than the alternatives I was offered for my symptoms.
After I poured my heart out with my struggles, I at least wanted some validation that it would be OK to take something for me, and not just the baby, to help ME feel better. I couldn't help but think that people do this all the time by taking other pharmaceuticals for anti-depressants like Lexapro, Zoloft, or other approved pregnancy products.
Yet I felt punished because I am all natural and like alternatives and finding different solutions outside of the box.
The pressures, the mental struggles, the fog, and the emotional pull all led me down a rabbit hole of depression spiraling out of control to the point I couldn't even keep up with my plant-based lifestyle and nutrition, barely eating and holding it together when I was doing the dishes.
Meditation became hard, walking became lonesome, and I wished it would be dark out every time I woke up so I wouldn't have to see anyone or get out of bed.
Deep down, I knew this wasn't right, and I felt this pull to take one capsule of Mind Lab Pro. What would it hurt?
That one capsule of the natural pull, the natural feel of knowing this was the right thing to do, was what got me out of my funk and into a mindset of more clarity to build a game plan for how I could get out of being a victim of my own mind.
Looking into all of the case studies, I find that the reality is that there haven't been enough women out there who are willing to put their bodies and unborn babies on the line to test nootropics and supplements like this.
This feeling is understandable because I felt it, too. I wonder if I thought this because there is a collective energy of scarcity, unknown fears of the future, and the need to be prepared or do the "right" thing, and I felt pulled into a depression.
I began forgetting that I am in charge of my body and can elevate through what works for me.
Often, it would go against the grain of societal norms and case studies available.
I was told by my doctor when she recommended me taking anti-depressants that it's important to take care of yourself first because then it will be easier to take care of the baby.
When put in context and the basis of that statement through the energetic means of the message, it was the universal sign I needed, telling me that I already knew the answer and that trusting my intuition had never led me astray before.
So, I decided to take Mind Lab Pro as an on-need-basis at least once a week to help maintain my compassion towards myself, focus on the present, keep up with daily tasks, and be bearable for all my loved ones around me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to limited specific research, the safety of Mind Lab Pro during pregnancy is not fully established. However, many of its ingredients, such as choline and vitamins B6, B9, and B12, have known maternal and fetal health benefits. It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider and trust your body and intuition when deciding on supplementation during pregnancy.
Mind Lab Pro contains citicoline and phosphatidylserine, which support cognitive function and stress management. These benefits help maintain mental clarity, reduce stress, and support overall brain health during pregnancy. However, consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement is crucial.
Bacopa Monnieri and Rhodiola Rosea are traditional herbs known for their cognitive-enhancing and apoptogenic properties. While limited research exists on their use during pregnancy, they have been traditionally used without significant adverse effects. Pregnant women should use these herbs cautiously and consult with their healthcare provider.
Mind Lab Pro includes ingredients such as N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and L-Theanine, which support neurotransmitter synthesis and promote relaxation. These components can help alleviate symptoms of "pregnancy brain" by improving cognitive function, mood, and reducing stress.
If your healthcare provider advises against taking Mind Lab Pro, respecting their professional guidance is essential. You can discuss alternative ways to support your cognitive and mental health during pregnancy, such as diet, exercise, and other safe supplements. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider and trust your intuition when making health decisions.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Pregnancy is a unique journey that requires balancing scientific research, medical advice, and personal intuition.
While there is limited specific research on the safety of Mind Lab Pro during pregnancy, understanding the potential benefits of its ingredients like choline, Bacopa Monnieri, Lion's Mane, and phosphatidylserine can offer insights.
It is crucial to consult with healthcare providers and listen to your body and intuition. Every pregnancy is unique, and finding the right balance is essential for both the mother's and baby's well-being.
Stay true to yourself, my friends out there reading, and don't forget to comment on your experience or insights below.
