I was 4 weeks away from a contest in September when I learned I was pregnant. My body fat was 13% and dr said it was unusual I would conceive w my bodyfat being that low. I miscarried in my 12th week. I only give you the background to ask this.....we are going to try again, but I also considered starting my routine to get back to contest shape for the start of the new season. Here are the supplements I have used at different phases of training - 7-Keto, Lean Out, Energy Reserve, Ultra 40, Muscle Mass, Mass Aminos, Synergy, Muscularity, UMP. My doc doesn't seem to have the answers....nutrition is a mystery to most of them! Do you recommend leaving the supplements alone for now while we are trying for another baby, or are they safe to take? That will make a difference in whether I take some time off...still plan on getting back to fit, but maybe w/out supplements for awhile?

Hi there. I am sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I don't know a lot of the answers to your questions about most of the supplements. But I am a nurse and I think it would be best for you to stay away from as much caffeine as possible--including the caffeine found in pills. I don't know if those supplements would prevent you from becoming pregnant, but caffeine/stimulants would not be good for a fetus. I know that Md's don't know a lot about nutrition but it may help to take the ingredients of the supplements to your obgyn so he can tell you what to leave in and out. Hope this helps some. Loren

Jojo,

Sorry about your mischarriage, I recently lost mine at 12 weeks and have decided to compete for a while before we try again.

I was told by my ob/gyn not to take anytype of supplement while trying to get pregnant, other than your average prenatal and fish/flax oil. I think you run the risk of to many variables. Just my opinion. Good luck!

Johnna

According to the "Fitdoc", it is wise not to consume any supplements during your pregnancy, including the protein shakes. I'll search for that link, and if it is different, I'll post it. It would be similar if you're trying.

The only one at this point, I suggest not using the 7-Keto.

Frank

PS. Hopefully, if you're trying, you'll be a happy parent soon!

Loren - Thanks. I definitely have dropped the caffeine for now, hard as that was for me, and I agree with what you said.

Johnna - I'm so sorry for your loss as well. I just got back into my pre-contest routine, minus the supplements, and I realized how much I have missed it. However, I think I'm going to get back in shape but hang up my suits for a little while. I'm a little older and we thought after 12 years of marriage it was never going to happen for us, so we had stopped "trying". Needless to say, even though this pregnancy wasn't planned, we were so excited and feel that now we know it can happen, we will "pursue". I've been in the best physical shape of my life and maybe that helped
things along. Thanks for your input.

Frank - I love your "failure" signature - that is awesome!!! Thanks for your help as well.

Hi JoJo,

I would first like to start by saying I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

13% bodyfat is low, but not too low to conceive...as long as your cycles were regular. You said you were preparing for contest at the time - your body was probably under alot of stress which in turn causes excess cortisol, which lowers your progesterone.. Progesterone levels must stay at a certain level until your 12 week in which then the placenta will start producing progesterone.... On day 21 of your next cycle...have your doctor check your progesterone levels to see if it is where it should be. I had a son in March but prior to that I was having problems with my cycle and was not having any luck getting pregnant and was given natural progesterone capsules made from a compounding pharmacy (obgyn wrote the prescription), after 2 months on that I became pregnant. My obgyn monitored my progesterone levels until the 13 week.

As for training and supplements, I would stop the 7-keto.. While this is a great product in which I have used myself, I have read mixed opinions on how it effects a woman's menstrual cycle.. From what I have read, it "can" act as an anti-estrogen..not good when you are trying to get pregnant... Lean Out I would say is fine... as for the others, I don't think they would hurt but I would definantely stop all supps once you became pregnant and only take a prenatal..There are tests that will show you are pregnant 5 days before your missed cycle, so as soon as you find out stop the Lean out. I was told by my obgyn the Ultra 40, Fish oil and vitamin c were ok to use but check with your doctor first. The important thing when trying to get pregnant is proper nutrition - moderate carbs, good fat and plenty of protein (not low carb because low carb is a stress to the body) and keep the stress level down as much as possible. I hope this helps.

Lisa