5 Essential Steps to Take BEFORE Birth to Reduce Your Baby's Risk of Colic

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Colic in newborns. If you’ve been there, you know it’s the kind of stress that can make a new parent question every decision they’ve made since those two lines appeared on the pregnancy test. It’s marked by bouts of intense crying that can last hours, leaving you feeling helpless and exhausted. And while colic isn't fully understood, recent research has shed some light on how expectant parents can take proactive steps before birth to reduce the risk of their baby developing this troublesome condition. Buckle up, because we're diving into some evidence-backed steps you can take now to help your baby (and your sanity) later!

1. Manage That Prenatal Stress Like a Boss

First things first: let’s talk about stress. We’ve all heard the stories of how a stressed-out pregnancy can lead to fussy babies, but it turns out there’s more than a grain of truth in that. When you’re stressed, your body pumps out cortisol, a hormone that can cross the placenta and affect your baby’s developing digestive system. Studies show that elevated levels of cortisol in expectant moms are linked to a higher risk of colic in infants.

So, what can you do? Look into mindfulness practices like prenatal yoga, meditation, or even just taking a breather when things get overwhelming. I remember my first pregnancy when I was trying to “do it all” – working late, planning the perfect nursery, and maintaining some semblance of a social life. It wasn’t until my doctor pointed out that my stress might be setting up my little one for a rough start that I got serious about slowing down. Prenatal massages and deep breathing exercises became my go-tos, and not only did they help me feel more centered, but my second baby? Way less colic. Coincidence? Maybe. But I’m a believer.

2. Eat Like You’re Feeding Two – Because You Are!

What you eat during pregnancy matters. A balanced diet rich in probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and low in inflammatory foods can pave the way for a healthier gut for both you and your baby. The gut microbiome (aka the community of bacteria living in your and your baby’s digestive systems) is key to a healthy digestive tract. A poor gut environment in newborns has been linked to more frequent colic episodes.

Load up on those leafy greens, berries, lean proteins, and fermented foods like yogurt and kefir. And don’t forget to ask your healthcare provider about probiotic supplements. When I was pregnant with my third, I swore by probiotic smoothies. It wasn’t always easy (hello, morning sickness), but my mantra was, “A happy gut means a happy baby.” And while I can’t say I dodged all the sleepless nights, we definitely had fewer colic cries than with my first go-around.

3. Be Cautious with Over-the-Counter Medications

I get it – pregnancy can be downright uncomfortable. From backaches to insomnia, it’s tempting to grab whatever over-the-counter remedy promises relief. But studies show that certain medications can disrupt the development of your baby’s gut flora, which is directly linked to colic. I’m not saying you need to suffer in silence – there are natural alternatives and safe medications that your healthcare provider can recommend. Just be sure to chat with them before popping any pills.

During my second pregnancy, I was so miserable with heartburn that I considered chugging antacids like they were candy. But after reading up on the potential impact on my baby’s gut, I decided to try more natural remedies like ginger tea and smaller, more frequent meals. And guess what? They worked. Was it the perfect fix? No. But it felt good knowing I was doing what I could to protect my baby’s digestive system.

4. Take an Antenatal Class (or Three!)

There’s no handbook for parenting, but there are classes – and they’re worth their weight in gold. Many antenatal programs focus not just on labor and delivery, but also on newborn care. And that includes how to deal with colic. Learning proper feeding techniques, burping positions, and how to soothe a crying baby can make a world of difference when you’re knee-deep in those early weeks.

I remember signing up for every class under the sun with my first kid, and let’s be real, I retained maybe half of it. But the sessions on newborn care? Those stuck. Learning how to swaddle and rock my baby in just the right way became my secret weapon during those “witching hour” meltdowns. And while no one is saying that you can completely prevent colic, knowing how to manage it can definitely keep you from losing your mind.

5. Get Hands-On with Infant Massage

Ever heard of Shantala massage? It’s a traditional Indian technique that has been shown to help reduce colic symptoms by improving baby digestion and providing comfort. Plus, infant massage is a great way to bond with your baby. Some expectant parents even take classes to learn these techniques before the baby arrives. It’s one more tool in your arsenal to keep colic at bay.

I was a skeptic at first, but by the time my third came along, I was willing to try anything. I learned some basic infant massage techniques and practiced them regularly. Not only did it calm my little one during those early weeks, but it also gave me a chance to feel more connected when things got tough. And I’m convinced it helped us dodge some of the worst of the colic storm that’s so common in those first few months.

Wrapping It Up

While there’s no magic bullet to guarantee a colic-free baby, these steps can help you feel more prepared and proactive. Managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, being mindful about medications, educating yourself, and learning soothing techniques like infant massage are all strategies that can make a big difference. And remember, no matter how rough it gets, you’re not alone in this. You’ve got this, mama!

[Sources referenced in this article: C. Arneitz et al., Acta Paediatrica, 2024; AS Cavalheiro, Shantala: Vivências na Gestação, Parto e Puerpério, bdtd.ibict.br, 2024; MS Makwela et al., Children, MDPI, 2024]