Detox During Pregnancy: Types, Risks And Safety Concerns

Detoxification comprises following certain methods and procedures to eliminate toxins from the body. While it is healthy to detox your body occasionally, you may wonder if it is safe to detox during pregnancy.

You should be careful about anything you consume or apply externally during pregnancy, as they may directly or indirectly affect the growing fetus. Since detox techniques generally involve over-the-counter (OTC) products, they may or may not be safe for pregnant women.

Keep reading this post to learn more about whether it is safe to undergo a detox when pregnant, the types of detox programs, the risks associated with it, and how to do a detox safely.

In This Article

Detox While Pregnant – A Brief

A detox refers to a diet that uses different nutritional guidelines and herbal supplements to remove toxins from the organs and tissues (1). Eliminating toxins from your body may seem like a good idea, but in reality it is not. During pregnancy, a woman needs to focus on making a new life, not on splitting the energy between a detox and creating a new life. Continue reading to know more about detox during pregnancy.

Types Of Detox Programs

There are a wide variety of detoxification programs. The common ones include (2):

1. Dietary Detox:

Dietary detox involves eating certain foods and juice for a particular set period.

2. Supplements:

Supplements are often used for detox during pregnancy
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Detox based on supplements requires taking laxativesiXA type of drug that helps relieve constipation by improving bowel movements. to stimulate bowel movements and diureticsiXA type of drug that increases the production and flow of urine. to encourage urination.

3. Detox Treatments:

Treatments like spa skin wraps and colon irrigation address a specific organ for removing toxins from the body.

Risks Associated With Detox During Pregnancy

1. Use Of Herbs:

Detox during pregnancy using herbal supplement isn't safe
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Some detox and cleanse programs include herbs, herbal remedies, and herbal supplements as part of their diet. Herbs and chemicals may not be safe for your developing fetus. Also, herbs like cilantro and parsley increase the risk of miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy. Hence, before using any herb or such natural remedies, make sure you seek your doctor’s advice. Detox while pregnant may not be safe after all (3).

2. Dehydration:

Colon irrigation increases the amount of sweating, urination, and bowel movement. It may be fine under normal circumstances, but not during pregnancy. These things, combined with an increased need for fluids, could lead to dehydration. Dehydration can put you and your child in a dangerous position. It can also cause electrolyte imbalances.

3. Increases The Levels Of Vitamin C In The Body:

Some detox requires taking high amounts of vitamin C, which can halt the body from making progesteroneiXA steroid hormone that plays an important role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and early stages of pregnancy. , a vital hormone for pregnant women (4).

4. Efficacy:

The US Food and Drug Administration has proven that detoxes may not always be effective. In addition to being potentially dangerous, detoxes are unlikely to remove toxins any better than the body’s excretory system (1).

5. Lack Of Nutrition:

Detox during pregnancy may lead to lack of nutrition
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Dietary detoxes involve eating healthy fruits and vegetables, so you may think that it is safe. However, when you remove one or more food groups from your diet, both you and your child are at risk of missing essential nutrients from that specific food group. Hence, a detox meal plan is a strict no at this time.

How To Do A Detox Safely?

Drink eight glasses of water every day to flush out the toxins
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Even though a full-blown detox diet is not ideal when you are expecting, you can change your eating habits for the better without putting your baby or yourself at risk. Just a few lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercises can help you remove toxins in a safe and effective way while increasing holistic wellness. Some safe ways to do detox include (5):

  • Drink eight glasses of water every day to flush out the toxins from the body through urine, feces, and sweat. Follow a high fiber diet to keep your colon clean. Make sure that you exercise 30 minutes a day to circulate oxygen and nutrients through your body. Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, fat-free dairy, whole grain and healthy fats. Try to purchase organic foods.
  • The best time to do a detox is one year before pregnancy. This way, you will have ample time to rebuild yourself with a nutrient dense diet. You can also consider doing a detox after breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I detox during ovulation?

Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, you can safely detox under expert guidance during ovulationiXA stage in the female reproductive process when a mature egg is released into a fallopian tube from the ovary. . Detoxification can help remove harmful chemicals from your body that could affect your overall health and fertility over time.

2. Does detox affect early pregnancy?

Detoxification involves using herbs and supplements that can raise several risks for your and your baby’s health. It is particularly crucial during the early pregnancy when the baby’s major organs develop. Thus, experts generally are against detox during pregnancy.

3. What are the best foods to eat during a pregnancy detox?

Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins like poultry or fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds are some foods that expecting women should add to their pregnancy detox after consulting their healthcare professional. Additionally, drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages to stay optimally hydrated (6).

4. How long should a detox last during pregnancy?

Detox programs are highly individualistic, and it’s essential to prioritize your and your baby’s health during pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to speak to a healthcare expert to know the duration of the detox program or cleanse. The professional will help you determine the detox duration suitable for you and whether you should detox during pregnancy.

5. Can I use herbal supplements for detoxing during pregnancy?

Herbal supplements may contain ingredients that are contraindicated in pregnancy. They may also contain substances that can adversely affect the mother and the unborn baby. Therefore, you should only use herbal supplements after consulting a doctor. It is particularly pertinent as herbal supplements are not regulated by the US FDA like other medications (7).

6. Can detox during pregnancy help with morning sickness?

There is no scientific evidence that shows that detox during pregnancy can help with morning sickness. However, lemon, ginger, and mint are some natural food items you may include in your diet to alleviate morning sickness.

7. Can I drink lemon detox water during pregnancy?

Dr. Ila Dayananda, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist from Brooklyn, New York, opines, “Drinking lemon water in moderation is typically considered safe during pregnancy and can be a refreshing way to stay hydrated; yet, some detox water recipes may include large amounts of lemon juice or other ingredients that could be too harsh on your stomach or potentially cause heartburn, especially if you’re experiencing pregnancy-related gastrointestinal issues.”

Remember, this is a special time for you. As for now, just enjoy the process of giving birth to another life.

Infographic: Helping Your Body Detox Naturally

Pregnancy is a good time to focus on adopting some healthy ways to support your natural detoxification system. Keeping this infographic handy can make it easier to cleanse your system during pregnancy.

safe and natural detox tips (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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Key Pointers

  • Detoxing is generally not recommended for pregnant women.
  • The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that detoxes are not always practical.
  • Herbs such as parsley and cilantro can be hazardous to the fetus during early pregnancy.
  • Detoxing can result in dehydration, elevated levels of Vitamin C, and lack of proper nutrition.
  • A few lifestyle modifications, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise can aid in eliminating toxins from the body.
Detox During Pregnancy_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Are you considering a detox during your pregnancy? Find out if it’s safe and what to look out for in this informative video.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
    1. “Detoxes” and “Cleanses”: What You Need To Know.
      https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/detoxes-and-cleanses-what-you-need-to-know
    2. The dubious practice of detox.
      https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-dubious-practice-of-detox
    3. Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy.
      https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/populations/herbs-to-avoid-during-pregnancy.html
    4. Colon Cleansing: Don’t Be Misled By the Claims.
      https://winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=13996
    5. What’s the Deal with Detox Diets. ?
      https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/diet-trends/whats-the-deal-with-detox-diets
    6. Diet During Pregnancy.
      https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/diet-during-pregnancy/
    7. Are herbal supplements safe during pregnancy?
      https://utswmed.org/medblog/herbal-supplements-pregnancy/
    8. COMMON COMPLAINTS IN PREGNANCY.
      https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Common-Complaints-in-Pregnancy.pdf
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