Which Superfoods Are Best For Pregnancy?

These powerful Bursts are our top choices to nourish you and your baby through pregnancy and help minimize symptoms including mood swings, nausea, gas, acid reflux and stretch marks.

Congratulations on this incredible journey towards meeting your precious baby 🎉! We know how exciting and overwhelming pregnancy can be with constant concerns of ‘can I still eat/drink this?’ and the unpredictable symptoms that range from annoying to downright debilitating. You’re all warriors and doing amazingly!

We put together this post to help answer all the pregnancy-focused questions you may have. You can use the explanations to help choose which Bursts are best suited to your symptoms or concerns – each Burst can help on many levels, so it’s not necessary to take them all, although go for it if you wish to!

Read on to learn:

• How to handle nausea

• Ways to minimise the development of stretch marks

• An amazing instant energizer (that’s not coffee)

Are the Bursts safe during pregnancy?

Rest assured: all our Bursts are pure, unadulterated, whole foods that are easily digested and absorbed. They are neither isolated nutrients (e.g. vitamin pills) nor herbal medicines that are contraindicated in pregnancy🤰, so pregnant and breastfeeding women can take our Bursts daily without any concerns 💯⁠.

By choosing Organic Burst, you know you’re getting the highest quality superfoods:

✅ Zero additives⁠

✅ Tested free from toxins and heavy metal contamination⁠

✅ Non-GMO⁠

✅ Certified organic⁠

✅ Classified safe (without side effects) by the European Food Standards Agency⁠

Over the past decade we’ve been getting amazing testimonials from our Bursterfam on how our superfoods have been supporting their pregnancies (check them out further down in this post).

However, it’s always important to consult your health practitioner (OBGYN, GP or midwife) before starting on any of the Bursts, as every pregnancy is different.

New to our superfoods?

If you’re just starting out with our Bursts after falling pregnant, begin with ½ the serving size indicated on each pack. For instance, if the serving is 1 tsp or x4 capsules/tablets then start with 1/2 tsp or 2 capsules/tablets and grow to the full serving slowly over 1-2 weeks. 

Now for the juicy bit on how these Bursts can transform your pregnancy and help you sail through feeling your best!

Ginger – nausea, bloating, indigestion, acid reflux, blood sugar imbalance, immune system support

Nausea and vomiting: There are very few women who manage to get through pregnancy without experiencing ‘morning’ sickness (we know it’s definitely not restricted to the mornings), nausea and vomiting at some point. Ginger is a time-honored remedy that’s also backed up by science. 

A study found that pregnant women suffering nausea and vomiting who took 1g ginger daily (equal to 2.5 of our capsules) had an 85% rate of improvement in their symptoms! The actual number of times they vomited went down by half (50%) too - vs. only 9% in the placebo group (The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2009).

Our concentrated Ginger capsules are 100% pure and unadulterated, unlike Ginger powder that is commonly bulked out with cheap flour that is not stated on the label – this even happens with organic products! So, if you have already tried Ginger biscuits, tea, or chews, you may have better results with our Ginger capsules.

Bloating and stomach upset: Ginger is incredibly beneficial for the digestive system and has been shown to significantly improve bloating, stomach cramps and upsets (Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019). 

Acid reflux: You know you’ve hit the third trimester if your bump is literally pushing stomach acid up to your throat! One study found that Ginger reduced acid 6-8 times more effectively than acid blocking medications (Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 2007).

Blood sugar imbalance: This is common in pregnancy because of hormonal changes affecting our insulin levels. Surging and dipping levels of glucose in the blood can cause symptoms like (more!) nausea, fatigue, low mood and sweet cravings.

In a study published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders (2019), Ginger powder was shown to significantly improve sensitivity to insulin.

Immune system support: During pregnancy, our amazing bodies suppress the immune response. This is because there is foreign DNA present in your womb and an active immune system would try to reject your precious baby. Unfortunately, this can mean you’re more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.

Ginger has long been used to support the immune system, its compounds have demonstrated inhibitory activity against several serious viruses (Die Pharmazie, 2006) and bacterial infections (Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2019).

Maca – hormonal support to counter headaches, mood swings, anxiety and stress

Pregnancy is a time of dramatic hormonal changes including rapid surges in oestrogen and progesterone, and we also start producing a new hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These surges are responsible for beautiful effects like that “glow” but also less fun ones like headaches, mood swings😭 and anxiety. 

Our authentic Peruvian Maca nourishes and stimulates the pituitary gland in your brain to help your body adapt to changes in hormone levels (and also re-balance them when they are out of whack), helping reduce severity of symptoms. 

Headaches: Although some women experience relief from headaches and migraines during pregnancy, the hormonal spikes may trigger more for others. Maca works with the entire hormonal system to bring about natural balance that can reduce incidence of headaches, without supplying any external hormones.  

Mood swings: Along with the natural surges in hormones, sweet cravings in pregnancy can cause even more issues by triggering excess insulin (the hormone that we release in response to sugar in the blood). This negatively impacts the production of our important pregnancy hormones and also causes low mood. Maca has the ability to restore the proper balance. 

Anxiety and stress: Maca belongs to the class of plants called ‘adaptogens’ that strengthen the body in times of stress and changes. Adaptogens support our adrenal glands and lower our stress hormones, which is a very important benefit for a safe pregnancy. 

Wheatgrass – stretch marks, bloating, constipation and gas, acid reflux, curbing cravings

Stretch marks: Maximizing the elasticity of your skin is the most important step in preventing stretch marks and our fresh New Zealand Wheatgrass contains an incredible array of nutrients that support elasticity, skin regeneration, collagen, hydration and wound healing. This includes Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamins C, E and K.

Plus Wheatgrass contains 70% chlorophyll🌱, an incredible natural green pigment that has been found in studies to heal wounds and stimulate tissue growth (International Journal of Chemical Studies, 2014).

Bloating: Wheatgrass is a source of gentle fiber, which helps everything move through your digestive system smoothly. This helps to eliminate waste and toxins, that would cause gas, bloating, fluid and inflammation in the bowel if they stuck around too long!

Acid reflux: The alkalising minerals (calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium) in Wheatgrass reduce the painful acid sensation. Its antioxidants and chlorophyll help counteract free radical damage caused by stomach acid on the oesophagus. 

Constipation: This is a classic pregnancy symptom, since the hormonal changes affect bowel movements. Unlike Wheatgrass juice powder, our pure whole Wheatgrass contains the precious fiber you need to poop nice and regularly.

Cravings: Pregnancy is one time when we’re encouraged to give in to cravings, but when they are for foods that are excessively sweet, salty or processed, they can disrupt your metabolism and mood, so you end up feeling worse.

Our Wheatgrass gives you a burst of nutrients and fiber that satisfy your body’s needs, so you’re not constantly popping open chip packets or ripping chocolate wrappers.

In fact, it helps you forget about eating until your next meal.⁠ Have 1/2-1tsp in a glass of water with lemon each morning, or in between meals to keep you going. Or try our easy capsules when you’re on the go. 

Spirulina – extra iron and clean protein, blood sugar balancing

Iron: During pregnancy, blood volume increases by 40-50%! That’s why you have an extra need for iron and folate – to help build those blood cells.

Many pregnant women are recommended to take iron tablets. However, the most common types of iron supplements are hard to digest, causing stomach upset (bloating, pain, nausea) and constipation. They are very difficult for the body to handle and the iron does not get absorbed and used by the body easily.

Plus, they often contain unwanted additives, like binders, fillers and preservatives that can be harmful.

Getting iron from our pure Spirulina means easy digestion and absorption because your body recognizes it as a whole food. Mother Nature provides cofactors that support the use of iron in the body including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, copper and B Vitamins that are all needed for iron absorption.

Start with ½ serving, but gradually increase your intake to x2 servings (x2tsp or x8 tablets) daily during your pregnancy to maintain healthy iron levels.

Clean protein: Spirulina contains 60-70% complete and absorbable protein. ‘Complete’ means it contains all essential amino acids, unlike most plants that only contain some of them. Spirulina also has a very high PER - protein efficiency ratio - which is what makes its protein 4x more absorbable that the protein in beef!

Blood sugar balancing: Pregnancy can cause some pretty spiky blood sugar imbalances that wreak havoc on already unsteady energy levels and mood!

Spirulina is known to help balance blood sugar levels helping reduce intense cravings and nausea too. Studies show it may also help improve insulin sensitivity.⁠

The best time to take Spirulina for stabilizing blood sugar is between meals, such as mid-morning and mid-afternoon. And when a craving hits, a glass of water with 1tsp of Spirulina powder with a big squeeze of lemon can curb it almost immediately!

Consuming only clean Spirulina like ours is vital at any time but especially in pregnancy. Organic Burst Spirulina is grown in pure mineral water and tested free from toxins including heavy metals, chemical fertilisers and algal toxins.

Chlorella – iron, high blood pressure, constipation, clearing toxins

Iron and high blood pressure: A study in the journal Plant Foods For Human Nutrition (2010) found Chlorella algae to be so nutritious for pregnant women that it significantly reduced the incidences of pregnancy anaemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure). ✊ Researchers commented that this was thanks to the large quantities of folate, vitamin B-12 and iron in Chlorella.

Constipation: By helping to balance gut flora, Organic Burst Chlorella is excellent for combatting constipation, which is a common pregnancy symptom, as high levels of progesterone slow down our digestive system. 

Clearing toxins: Chlorella supports our detoxification organs in dealing with toxins including pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, environmental pollution and parabens in cosmetics. This wonderful algae actually grabs toxins and helps eliminate them through the bowel.

It’s impossible to avoid all exposure to these types of chemicals, but if by helping your body deal with them effectively, you’re taking that extra step to protect your baby.

Chia - extra omega-3, complete protein and fiber

Omega-3: We have an additional need for Omega-3 fats during pregnancy thanks to the trillions of new cells you produce when growing a tiny human. When you eat these fats, they’re converted to EPA and DHA that are used to make all yours and baby’s cell membranes.

Chia is a winning plant-based source, because its oil contains one of the highest percentage of alpha-linolenic acid known! It also contains zinc, magnesium and iron that all help the conversion in the body from ALA to important EPA and DHA.

Protein: Organic Burst Chia is made up of an awesome 23% protein (many other seeds contain around 15-20%) and is one of the only plant-based protein sources with all 10 essential amino acids, which we use as building blocks in our bodies – pretty handy for all the extra growth going on in your body right now! 

Fiber: This is important to keep your bowel regular – which can slow down thanks to the surge in progesterone. The secondary benefits of this gentle soluble fiber are to help keep your gut bacteria balanced, helping with bloating, and also to feel fuller and curb cravings. 

Take 1tbsp daily in a glass of water (also helping you stay hydrated), in porridge or make a simple Chia pudding by mixing with plant mylk, a dash of maple syrup, vanilla and cacao. Yum!

Baobab – nausea, muscle cramps, hydration, water retention, iron and Vitamin C

Nausea: The slightly sweet, citrusy flavor of our Baobab, along with its prebiotics are incredibly settling for the stomach, making it an ideal support for morning sickness. Simply add 1tbsp to a large bottle of water to sip on.

Muscle cramps: These are a very common and niggling pregnancy symptom particularly in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.⁠ Ensuring your diet contains plenty of minerals and staying hydrated can really help.

In fact, magnesium is known as nature’s tranquillizer and often recommended for any muscle cramping, it also helps with sleep. Have a serving in the evening to see off any nighttime spasms. 

Water retention and hydration: The electrolyte minerals magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium present in our Baobab fruit pulp help to hydrate and balance acid levels in the body. This is helpful for combatting water retention that’s common to pregnancy.

Iron and Vitamin C: We need plenty of iron in pregnancy thanks to the large increase in blood flow, and of course the growing baby. The natural iron plus non-acidifying Vitamin C in our Baobab that helps with absorption are gold star pregnancy nutrients!⁠

Matcha – for instant energy and to break the coffee addiction

Instant energy: Pregnancy has a knack for zapping your energy (the tax for growing a whole new person in your body) especially in the 1^st and 3^rd trimesters when all you want to do is lie down. For times that you can’t rest, our Premium Ceremonial Grade Matcha can give you instant energy and clarity.

• Bonus - it does not cause an energy crash later on as you get with coffee or sweet foods and drinks. It contains L-theanine that boosts alpha brain waves by 75%. Alpha brain waves signal that the brain is in a resting but alert state that’s powerfully associated with creativity, being focused, calm and present.

Coffee replacement: We know so many pregnant ladies struggle to give up coffee, or find the withdrawal tough. Matcha is the perfect replacement to help wean you off coffee.

It contains only 1/3 of the caffeine present in coffee and it is especially high in L-theanine, which counteracts the caffeine, putting you into a calm and focused state – no jittery energy!

Additionally, our Matcha is alkalizing and incredibly rich in antioxidants, whereas coffee is acid-forming, another big reason to give it a miss during pregnancy.

We hope every one of you has a beautiful pregnancy, we’re here to support you! 

Read on for inspiring testimonials from our wonderful Bursterfam who have had some incredible results during their pregnancy journeys:

“I'm in my second trimester and I've had the best pregnancy so far! Zero sickness, no mood swings at all & tons of energy! My diet has always stayed the same so the only change has been your products [Maca, Chlorella, Spirulina]. Just thought you'd wanna know they even help with pregnancy symptoms! Thank you Organic Burst!💕"

Makenna @makennahaase on Instagram

"I'm pregnant with my baby #2 and taking your Chlorella, Spirulina, Wheatgrass, Baobab and feeling great!💕 — No iron deficiency during both my first pregnancy and this second one, alkaline pH detected from my urine, reduced sugar cravings, much more energy throughout the day and better sleep. Your superfoods are a staple in my everyday routine cause they just make me feel so good!💕"

Francesca @francesca_c_riboldi on Instagram

“I take a serving [of Chlorella] every night before bed - I never stopped even when I got pregnant. I’m 5 months and it helps me move my bowels every morning. I trust Organic Burst products in my pregnancy. I wouldn’t just use any brand.” 

Lisa @lisasweetss on Instagram

"Truly missed my Maca so much!!!!!! Just order 4 bags 🙈. Currently on my 26th week of pregnancy 🤰and it’s the only thing that helps me sleep like an 😇 angel.  Ya mommies know it can be hard to achieve a good night sleep while pregnant. 💗💗💗"

Jaz @jazmartinz99 on Instagram