Detoxing for Pregnancy

When planning to get pregnant, we usually want to make sure that our health is in the best shape possible. Of course, we would like to think that we are already in the best shape but sometimes it’s good to take a step back and look at our habits and how we go about them daily.

Detoxing consists of a period of time where someone will rid the body of toxins and other unhealthy habits. Detoxing when preparing for pregnancy has some amazing benefits. When we speak of detoxing we obviously think diet and I won’t say that we are entirely wrong. However, detoxing to prepare for pregnancy and conceiving consists of body AND mind to help create the best environment to house and nurture your future wee one.

Diet is an important point, but understanding the dietary needs and benefits for trying to conceive are pretty well-known and spoken about quite often. When recommending my doula clients to partake in a bit of a detox, I touch on a few things that are really important from my experience as a birth doula: Stress Relievers, Lymphatic Health, and Probiotics.

1. Stress Relievers. Daily stresses exist. They exist in the most subtle ways and sometimes in ways that are so huge it’s very, very hard to miss them. Stress happens to be one of the main things that can change our cycles and mood. Whether that stress comes from something exciting happening like a new job or something not so exciting - life events have a huge impact on our stress levels and body chemistry. Stress can also be brought on by the amount of sleep that we’re getting or not getting (you know those of us who just can’t seem to make it to bed at a decent time). Understanding this will help with the process of trying to conceive. Our womb responds to all of these things and it affects our ph balance and how our cycles, both menstrual and ovulation, present themselves and how frequently.
   The Detox. Partaking in effective stress relievers and finding ways to deal with the many things that our daily life and routine throws at us. Try meditation, daily affirmations, yoga, pilates, or even journaling. These things will help alleviate some of that stress which will ultimately help keep your cycles regulated and optimize fertility. During this time, it can be helpful to write these things down throughout the month and incorporating these stress relievers. The next month, look back and notice how there are subtle changes in your mood and cycle that are positive to helping you ovulate and reach your ultimate goal.
   
   
2. Lymphatic Health.  Our lymphatic health can affect our fertility. The health of your lymphatic system dictates the balance of your hormones which is exactly what we’d want to them be in order to have a regular cycle. A good example of how to think of this is kind of like the lymphocytes that exist near your breasts. We’d want to make sure that we are activating those tissues and ridding that area of toxins to optimize breast health and aide in breastfeeding. Healthy lymphocytes helps the immune and reproductive system in amazing ways by improving blood flow and riding the body of unwanted toxins.
   
   
   The Detox. Lymphatic massage is a great way to detox your body and optimize your chances of conception and enhance your reproductive health. It’s be shown to help with problems associated with the menstrual cycle such as cramps and bloating and is so beneficial that you can even get a lymphatic massage during pregnancy as well. Limiting the amount of chemicals you put on your body can also enhance your health. Opting for a non-toxic and eco-friendly deodorant and aluminum-free bras are a great way to start.
   
   
3. Probiotic Health. Probiotics are a great way to increase your fertility when preparing for pregnancy. Probiotics are a good bacteria that aid in the conception process. We all know that we want a good ph balance to allow the sperm to do what’s needed when it’s making its way into the cervix. Incorporating more probiotics or probiotic supplements into your diet will also keep any bad bacteria from attacking the sperm. Bad bacteria can be caused by many things such as ph imbalance and yeast infections. The benefits of adding probiotics to your detox are endless, including gut and skin health.
   
   The Detox. Checking in with yourself regarding your diet will be the best way to start this portion of your detox. Ensuring that you are getting enough whole-foods that are super healthy. Of course we all know about yogurt being one of the top choices for the necessary probiotics, but this could include fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi. If you're feeling up to it, choosing the right probiotic supplements for you and your body is also a great path to take. However you choose, be sure that you are getting an adequate amount.

Deciding that a detox may be the right path for your pregnancy is great! As you can see it can be very beneficial and it doesn’t have to stop here. Detox your diet, skin care routine, or alcohol intake. Even see if your partner will partake in the detox with you! Ultimately, do what feels good and best for you and your body. Trust your intuition of knowing that this is part of exactly what your body was designed for. You’re got this, mama.

-  Kayla Bitten, Guest Contributor
The Modern Doula.