How to Support Your Partner in a Pregnancy Detox

Clare Cattarin (MSN, FNP, IFM-CP, S-CP) is passionate about giving the next generation of children the best possible start in life. While we don’t live in a perfect world, we can work to pass on the healthiest genes possible to our children to provide them the healthiest body possible. 

 

We all get 50% of our genetic code from our biological mothers and 50% from our biological fathers. This means that our health is impacted by our parents’ health. 

 

This is especially true when it comes to gut health. Babies receive all of their initial gut bacteria from their mothers, which affects nearly every aspect of their health.

 

Why Pregnancy Detox?

Unfortunately, most of us live in an environment surrounded by toxins. Our food, water, air, cleaning products, makeup, scents, and more are everywhere. You may not think that using a plastic water bottle is a big deal by itself; if this was the only toxin your body came into contact with, this would likely be the case.

 

However, our bodies are bombarded by toxins from all sides. This affects our bodies’ genetic function and expression. Even if we don’t experience uncomfortable symptoms in our lifetime, we are passing these genes to future generations. 

 

Many people are predisposed to developing certain physical or mental health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, addiction, mental health, and more. 

 

Functional Health and Healing provides a pregnancy detox ideal for anyone preparing to get pregnant in the near future. You’ll feel better while pregnant, and your child will have an optimal start in life.

 

What Does a Pregnancy Detox Entail?

“Pregnancy detox” is a broad term. What kind of toxins are we focusing on, exactly?

 

There are several areas of focus when it comes to a pregnancy detox with Functional Health and Healing:

 

• Nutrition to support pregnancy
• Heavy metal exposure
• Gut health support
• Supplementation 
• Lifestyle toxins (plastic, cleaning products, makeup, etc.)
• Stress management

 

Each of these areas (and more!) play into the complete package of your body. That’s why we address each one on its own—and we take into account how they affect each other.

 

What is the Pregnancy Detox Process?

Our pregnancy detox process is conducted by the professionals at Functional Health and Healing. We care deeply about helping women protect the health of their children.

 

1. Assessment

We begin with a detailed analysis of a woman’s health history and work together to clarify health goals and potential concerns. This is our chance to get to know you deeply. We treat you like the unique individual you are. During this step, we also determine if you are physically and mentally ready for a pregnancy detox. This process isn’t easy, but with support from our doctors and your partner, we’ll help you determine if this is the right step for you.

 

2. Exams and Testing

Next, we conduct deep testing to get a full picture of your health. We focus on nutrition and physical health to assess where you are and how we can best support you in future pregnancy. Also, we may utilize other lab testing or Stratagene testing to determine your genetics, bloodwork, hormones, and more.

 

3. Custom Food Plan

We provide coaching for mothers to improve their lifestyle habits and support the health of their bodies—and their children. This primarily looks like a nutrition plan, but we also provide guidance for external toxins, stress relief, and how to stay active.

 

The pregnancy detox process doesn’t stop here, though. We don’t bid you adieu after you’ve completed these steps. The providers at Functional Health and Healing partner alongside you as you carve a path toward optimal health. 

 

In total, our pregnancy detox program lasts 6-9 months depending on each mother’s current health situation and pregnancy timeline. This process is custom to your situation, so we’ll work with you to understand your goals and make this work for you.

 

How Can I Support My Partner?

If your partner is going through a pregnancy detox, you may feel lost or helpless. How exactly can you help her through this rigorous process?

 

Educate Yourself

Your partner is likely learning about important aspects of her health and how to best support her body—and your future children. Join in this process and learn all you can about toxins, lifestyle habits, and more. That way your partner won’t have to explain herself or spend valuable time and energy trying to educate you, and she’ll feel more supported along the way. 

 

Provide Physical Support

During a pregnancy detox, your partner will likely experience obstacles or hard days as her body adjusts to the detoxification process. As this occurs, do your best to provide her with support physically. This may look like giving her neck rubs, helping with work or tasks, or offering other types of physical support.

 

Provide Emotional Support

A pregnancy detox is also taxing at times on your partner’s mental and emotional health. She may feel overwhelmed or discouraged along the way. This is the perfect opportunity for you, the partner, to step up and provide needed emotional support. Maybe this looks like pep talks, encouraging words, hidden notes, or a shoulder to cry on when your partner needs it.

 

Consider a Detox Yourself

Prenatal detoxes aren’t just for a woman trying to get pregnant. You don’t have to go through the same process, but maybe you learn from your partner and start tweaking your lifestyle. Cook meals for your partner that fit her detox needs and also nourish your body. Go on walks together or swap your plastic water bottle for metal. Follow in your partner’s footsteps to help her feel less alone. 

 

Pregnancy Detox with Functional Health and Healing

Clare Cattarin (MSN, FNP, IFM-CP, S-CP) guides future parents through prenatal detoxes and is passionate about preconception health. If you’re considering pregnancy and ready to get started, begin with a readiness assessment as your first step.