Slight swelling in various parts of the body is a very normal occurrence of pregnancy. Although more prevalent during the third trimester, edema can occur at any time throughout pregnancy.
Some bloating is common during pregnancy. Pregnancy swelling, or edema, is the result of the body filling with extra fluids during gestation, notes the American Pregnancy Association. These additional fluids allow for tissues and joints to expand, making room for fetal growth and delivery. But while some extra fluid is necessary, pregnant women can consume certain foods to reduce the worst of the swelling symptoms.
- High-Potassium Foods
The APA recommends women eat high-potassium foods to help reduce swelling. Because potassium is often flushed from the system by diuretic medication, women given a prescription to cope with pregnancy swelling should get an extra amount of the mineral. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foods highest in potassium include sweet potatoes, white potatoes, tomato paste and tomato puree, white beans, clams, halibut, yogurt, carrot juice and prune juice. These foods all have at least 10 percent of the recommended daily value for potassium. The portable banana, another high potassium food, offers about 9 percent of the potassium you need in an average-size serving.
- Vegetables and Fruits
Some natural foods, especially vegetables and fruits, help flush your system of extra fluids. These foods, known as diuretics, cause extra urination, so check with your obstetrician to determine if you should keep your intake of these foods to a specific amount. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, diuretic foods that may help reduce the symptoms of edema include onions, asparagus, parsley, leafy greens, leeks, garlic, beets and grapes.
- Diuretic Teas
Some herbs also act as diuretics, notes UMMC. Dried bilberry and dandelion leaf are both available in capsule or tea form. Taking them in warm or chilled tea ensures you also get the extra liquid recommended for women during pregnancy. Consuming water-based drinks like herbal tea, which is naturally decaffeinated, helps flush extra fluids from your body.
Doctors recommend the following methods to lessen swelling:
- Drink plenty of water. If you do not drink enough, the body may react by storing more water and thereby worsening swelling.
- Sleep on your left side to improve blood circulation.
- Keep your feet elevated when lying down or sitting to put less stress on the veins. Do not cross your legs.
- Exercise a gentle aerobic workout such as walking is best.
- Try not to sit or stand for a long time, as this causes fluids to collect in the lower parts of the body such as the legs and feet. If you are in a situation where this is unavoidable, try taking breaks to walk around. Move your feet in circular movements a few times to further increase circulation.
- Avoid heat, especially in the mid-day. Many women experience a worsening of edema during the hot summer months.
- Avoid wearing high heels and shoes that are too tight.
- Avoid consuming excess salt. It is not recommended to cut out salt from your diet during pregnancy, but if you suffer from edema try to avoid excess amounts in the diet.
- Tight clothing that obstructs blood flow in the arms, legs or any other parts of the body should be avoided. Make sure your socks are not too snug around the ankles.
How long does it last?
Remember, slight swelling is a normal condition of pregnancy. The good news is that it will go away. The swelling usually subsides by two weeks after giving birth. This relatively quick drop in body fluids is typically experienced as increased sweating and urination in the days and weeks following delivery.
READ
MORE:
No comments:
Post a Comment