Colon Cleansing While Pregnant

Many times pregnant women feel bound up and in need of cleansing. Perhaps it is the pressure of the baby growing inside that blocks or inhibits adequate movement in the intestines, or it could just be that foods aren’t getting digested adequately. Pregnant women are known for their cravings of strange foods, however those foods are not always the healthiest. Colon cleansing while pregnant should be approached very carefully because some products have not been approved for use in children, while others are extremely dangerous and can even cause premature labor. It is essential to know what products are safe and which ones to avoid.

Do not use Enemas for Colon Cleansing While Pregnant

The first colon cleansing product to avoid is any type of enema. Enemas cause contractions in the colon called peristalsis, which is part of what makes them effective under normal circumstances. Some fecal matter is flushed naturally with the warm water, but some of it is forced through by peristalsis. The same biological response that promotes contractions in the intestines also causes uterine contractions which can lead to premature labor. In fact, many midwives use enemas to induce labor. The point being, don’t use enemas to cleanse during pregnancy.

Beware of Herbal Colon Cleansing Products

Many herbal colon cleansing products are safe and even healthy for adults but should not be used for colon cleansing while pregnant. Not only do some of those herbs promote peristalsis as explained above, but they have not been studied for safety in children. Pregnant or lactating women pass what they are ingesting on to baby so it is vitally important to use only colon cleansing ingredients that have been approved for use by these groups of women. It is not recommended to take any fiber supplements unless first researching whether or not they promote peristalsis. Some fiber supplements work by promoting contractions in the intestines and thus would not be safe for use while pregnant.

Safe Colon Cleansing Options

Among the safe methods of colon cleansing while pregnant are juicing or eating colon cleansing foods. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are high in vitamins and minerals and are extremely effective in cleansing the colon safely. Eating a diet with plenty of raw vegetables, fruits and whole grains is also effective. The most effective cleansing foods would also be high in antioxidants. Any of the darkly pigmented fruits or vegetables are great sources of antioxidants. Not only do they help to move matter through the intestines but they pick up toxins from tissue and the bloodstream as well.

There is an old adage that comes in handy when trying to determine how best to approach colon cleansing while pregnant. The saying goes like this, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It is up to mom to protect that baby. While it is possible to read just about anything on the internet, remember that it isn’t always 100% accurate. It is always in the best interest of mommy and the baby she is carrying to consult a medical professional prior to colon cleansing while pregnant.