Lower Tox Pregnancy & Postpartum
- Alex Kelly
- Jul 21
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Prenatals
While multivitamins are formulated to meet the general nutritional needs of adults based on age, gender, and lifestyle, prenatal vitamins are specifically designed for women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. They provide targeted support for fetal development, maternal health, and help reduce the risk of birth defects.
Folate or Folic Acid?
Folate is a B-vitamin found in foods like leafy greens, beans, and liver, and it’s essential for things like DNA repair and healthy fetal development. Your body has to convert folate into its active form—called methylfolate (or 5-MTHF)—before it can actually use it.
Some people have a common genetic variation in the MTHFR gene that makes this conversion less efficient. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, since methylfolate plays a key role in preventing neural tube defects early in pregnancy.
Taking a supplement with methylfolate instead of regular folic acid or food folate ensures your body gets what it needs in a form it can use—no conversion required.
Minimizing Stretch Marks
Personally, I think stretch marks are a beautiful mark of womanhood and motherhood! If you got ‘em rock ‘em! AND BE PROUD OF THEM! However, I understand this is an area of pregnancy and postpartum many women seek to minimize as best as possible. Total respect!!!
Stretch marks occur during rapid body changes like pregnancy, puberty, or weight fluctuations. It’s important to approach prevention and care with a realistic expectation, but a few things that can help are:
Hydration: Properly hydrating is important in pregnancy all around, but it also helps keep the skin more elastic.
Supporting collagen production with things like vitamin C serums, collagen peptides, Vitamin C rich foods, and zinc and protein for skin repair.
Moisturizers with ingredients like cocoa or shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, natural oils.
Belly Balms
Maybe this is a hot take, but I don’t think “pregnancy” specified creams, balms, and oils, are a necessity. A good quality body butter/balm/oil, or even coconut oil can work just fine!
Hydration
Proper hydration and protein intake is an important part of both pregnancy and postpartum. I highly recommend adding in an electrolyte. You can make your own with a high quality mineral salt and lime, or you can get pre-made powder.
Protein
One study showed that pregnancy diets high in protein were found to be associated with reduced odds of preeclampsia. I had preeclampsia in my first pregnancy. In my second my midwife had me aim for 100-150g protein a day.
Glucose Test for Gestational Diabetes
The glucose test is a routine screening for gestational diabetes, usually done between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. You drink a glucose challenge drink, traditionally called Glucola, which contains 50 grams of sugar dissolved in water, and your blood is tested an hour later to see how your body handles glucose.
Many people dislike the taste, while others are concerned about its ingredients—whatever the reason, there’s a clear demand for alternative options. And, there are a few.
The most popular being, The Fresh Test.
Glucose Drink Alternatives
The Fresh Test is an FDA-registered, natural alternative to the traditional Glucola drink for gestational diabetes screening. Made with cleaner ingredients like non-GMO dextrose, crystallized lemon, and peppermint leaf, it has no artificial dyes or preservatives – while still meeting clinical standards and being accepted by many labs. Shop here.
Blood Sugar Monitoring. Another option is to talk with your provider about setting up a finger-prick testing plan you can do at home. By checking your blood sugar at specific times each day, you can monitor how your body handles glucose. This method offers a more personalized and often less invasive (but less convenient) way to screen for gestational diabetes.
Jelly Beans and Twizzlers. There have been some studies with jelly beans and twizzlers, which some providers will allow. As well as orange juice, a combo of orange juice and bananas, and soda. However, typically, these methods do not go along with most provider’s medical advice.
Nothing. While your provider will most likely recommend the glucose test, it is optional (as with everything during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery). You can always say no. Either way, it's important to understand the risks and benefits before making a decision. Find yourself a provider who values true informed consent, gives their professional opinion in an educational manner, and ultimately respects your decision.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
Group B Strep (GBS) is a common type of bacteria that many people naturally carry without any symptoms. During pregnancy, it's usually tested around 35–37 weeks because it can be passed to the baby during delivery. While it’s harmless for most adults, it can cause serious infections in newborns. If you test positive, antibiotics will be encouraged during labor.
If GBS gets on the baby’s skin, eyes, mouth, or nose, it is usually harmless.
If GBS enters the baby’s bloodstream or lungs, it can become dangerous and lead to serious illness.
If a pregnant woman is GBS positive, the baby has a 1–2% risk of becoming seriously ill.
Of those seriously ill babies, 2–3% may not survive.
If IV antibiotics are given during labor, the risk of serious illness drops to 0.2%.
A common question is:
“Do I have to do antibiotics if I test GBS+?” You don’t have to do anything. You can decline any test or treatment. However consider these cliff notes from my midwife:
the chance of your baby getting sick from GBS is very low
the risk of antibiotics for some people are worse than others, and are more likely to happen than GBS sepsis
however, when a baby does get sick from GBS, it’s incredibly devastating with long term complications (for those that survive)
only you can decide which risk you’re more comfortable taking. It’s a matter of low odds & high stakes vs high odds & lower stakes
If you decline testing:
A "risk-based approach" will be used instead, and you will need to sign a waiver.
Antibiotics will be recommended during labor if any of the following apply:
GBS was found in your urine during pregnancy.
You’ve had a previous baby with GBS sepsis.
Your water has been broken for more than 18 hours.
You develop a fever over 100.4°F during labor.
GBS Prevention Protocol - starting at 34 weeks
Probiotics: There are several small studies showing that taking probiotics, especially strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, may help reduce GBS colonization in the vaginal and gut microbiome (1,2,3). 2x/day - I recommend this one.
Garlic (580mg 2x/day): Although there are no clinical studies confirming its effectiveness, garlic contains allicin—a compound known for its strong antimicrobial properties, including activity against bacteria like GBS. Some midwives suggest increasing dietary garlic intake, while others recommend inserting a freshly cut garlic clove into the vagina (about 2–3 inches deep) at bedtime and removing it in the morning. This practice is sometimes used for 3–6 weeks and has been reported to help with persistent GBS colonization in non-pregnant women (4). consult with your provider before inserting anything vaginally
Echinacea (360mg 2x/day): While there are no studies showing antibacterial effects against the GBS strain Streptococcus agalictiae, there are a few in vitro lab studies showing Echinacea to have mild antibacterial effects agains certain pathogens like Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (500mg 2x/day): A small 2006 study (5) suggested vitamin C may help reduce vaginal infections during pregnancy, though it didn’t focus on GBS. A larger 2013 trial (6) found vaginal vitamin C improved microflora and balanced pH, especially in pregnant women. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids supports the immune system and helps keep the vaginal lining healthy, making it harder for harmful bacteria like GBS to thrive.
Grapefruit Seed Extract (15 drops 2x/day): Grapefruit Seed Extract is sometimes used for its antimicrobial properties and may help reduce harmful bacteria, including GBS, by disrupting bacterial growth and supporting vaginal health. However, most evidence comes from lab studies, and there’s no solid research proving it prevents GBS colonization during pregnancy, specifically.
Vaccines During Pregnancy
The vaccines that are typically recommended during pregnancy are whooping cough, flu, and RSV. This is a very hot topic, and only you can make the decision. Some mom’s find comfort in potential protection, while others feel that “no evidence of harm is not the same as evidence that it is safe.” I always find looking at the numbers helpful when making decisions such as these.
Whooping Cough:
2024 provisional stats
<6 mo: 1,573 cases
<1yr fatalities: 6
>1yr fatalities: 4
6-11mo: 75.3% vax status unknown, 7.3% unvax, 9.0% under vax, 16.4% vaccinated
Flu:
Preliminary Estimated Flu Burden 2023-2024
0-4yr: 20,243 hospitalizations (4.3%)
0-4yr: 268 fatalities (1.0%)
18-49 yr: 91,780 hospitalizations (19.5%)
18-49yr: 2,705 fatalities (9.7%)
RSV:
Approximate RSV Yearly Stats
2.1 million outpatient visits in children under 5, 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations in children under 5, and 100-300 deaths in children under 5 (case fatality rate 0.13% to 0.52%).
Mostly all unvaccinated as widespread RSV vax only started recently
Prepping Body for Labor: the final weeks
Raspberry Leaf & NORA Tea (34 weeks):
Red raspberry leaf (RRL) has traditionally been used as a uterine tonic to help tone the uterus, potentially leading to more efficient contractions, shorter labor, and less bleeding after birth. A 1999 study in the Australian College of Midwives Journal found that women who took RRL had fewer birth interventions (Simpson et al., 2001). Most drink it as a tea, but if you decide to take it in capsule form take 2 capsules 3x/day starting at 36 weeks.
RRL is also found in NORA tea, a blend of nettle, oat straw, raspberry leaf, and alfalfa. This herbal mix is used to support pregnancy, potentially helping with swelling, blood pressure, and postpartum recovery.
Dates (36 weeks):
Research shows that eating 6 dates daily from 36 weeks may help labor start naturally and progress more efficiently (Al-Kuran et al., 2011). To avoid blood sugar spikes, pair dates with a protein like nuts, cheese, or meat.
Borage Oil (37 weeks):
2 capsules placed deeply in the vagina nightly to help soften and prepare the cervix for labor. *consult with provider before inserting anything vaginally
Perineal Care
What I used:
Peri Bottle (Frida Mom)
Perineal spray (Earth Mama)
Cooling foam (Frida Mom, but I like Dr. Talbot’s ingredients better)
Large pads
How I used:
Peri bottle with warm water to cleanse
Pat dry with cotton rag
Spray with perineal spray
Put witch hazel pad liner on pad in either “depends” or underwear
Cover liner with cooling foam
Get back in bed for rest and baby snuggles ;)
Postpartum Pads & "Depends"
organyc hospital maternity pads
natracare maternity pads
I preferred disposable “depends” the first few days postpartum, and then I moved to high waisted cotton underwear.
C-Section Scar Care
My first was a c-section, and my second a home-birth VBAC. For my c-section, I wore “depends” the first few days (you will still have vaginal bleeding pp), then switched to high-waisted underwear. I would place the sticky part of large pads on the inside of the depends and underwear so that the pad part was resting over and protecting my scar.
A belly-binder was also very helpful, and made me feel more secure and protected. The hospital should provide you this. They will also provide you depends and pads, unless you prefer to bring your own.
Nursing & Pumping Care
Spectra S1 pump was my favorite
I have used both the haaka and boon trove, and prefer the boon since it sits right in your bra.
As far as wearable pumps go, I don’t think they make the one I used anymore. But I have heard really good things about the Imani i2, Momcozy S9, and Eufy heated. Just keep in mind wearable pumps don’t tend to empty the breast as well as traditional pumps since the motor isn’t as strong.
The ceres chiller is a great little product if you’re needing to pump and store milk on the go
Travel Boppy for on the go nursing! Life changing!
Mastitis Prevention & Care
This is not my area of expertise. I have also never personally struggled with clogged ducts or mastitis. I would highly recommend following Karrie Locher. She is the breast-feeding, pumping queen.
Mastitis is a painful inflammation of the breast, often from a clogged duct or bacteria entering through a cracked nipple. It can cause soreness, redness, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
The best mastitis prevention is adequate milk removal.
If you find yourself with a clogged duct, you can:
Apply a warm compress to the site for 1-20 minutes, or take a warm shower before feedings. This helps blood vessels dilate and increase blood flow to the area for healing.
Massage your breast while in the shower or during feeding/pumping session. Massage both above and below the clog. This will help loosen things up.
Emptying your breast will help prevent clogged ducts and mastitis, but this is especially important when you actively have a clogged duct or mastitis. You want to make sure you are lessening the build around the clog. This may mean nursing or pumping more frequently. And of course, rest and hydrate!
If you find baby has a hard time emptying your breast I would highly suggest meeting with an IBCLC and/or getting checked for a tongue and lip tie.
Sources: 1 Ho M, Chang YY, Chang WC, Lin HC, Wang MH, Lin WC, Chiu TH. Oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 to reduce Group B Streptococcus colonization in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Aug;55(4):515-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2016.06.003. PMID: 27590374.
2 Sharpe M, Shah V, Freire-Lizama T, Cates EC, McGrath K, David I, Cowan S, Letkeman J, Stewart-Wilson E. Effectiveness of oral intake of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 on Group B Streptococcus colonization during pregnancy: a midwifery-led double-blind randomized controlled pilot trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2021 Jun;34(11):1814-1821. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1650907. Epub 2019 Aug 13. PMID: 31362572.
3 Menichini D, Chiossi G, Monari F, De Seta F, Facchinetti F. Supplementation of Probiotics in Pregnant Women Targeting Group B Streptococcus Colonization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2022; 14(21):4520. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214520
4 Torres KADM, Lima SMRR, Torres LMB, Gamberini MT, Silva Junior PID. 2021. Garlic: An Alternative Treatment for Group B Streptococcus. Microbiol Spectr 9:e00170-21.
5 The Effect of Vitamin-C Vaginal Tablets (Vagi-C(R)) in Patients with Each Vaginitis in Pregnancy and in Normal Pregnant Women / 대한주산의학회잡지
Korean Journal of Perinatology ; : 62-67, 2006.
Article em Ko | WPRIM | ID: wpr-210616
6 Zodzika J, Rezeberga D, Donders G, Vedmedovska N, Vasina O, Pundure I, Bite R, Silberga I, Socenova J, Melngaile O. Impact of vaginal ascorbic acid on abnormal vaginal microflora. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2013 Nov;288(5):1039-44. doi: 10.1007/s00404-013-2876-y. Epub 2013 May 16. PMID: 23677418.
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