Pregnancy is a unique experience in a woman's life. During this 40-week gestational period your body will undergo a series of changes. It is important to manage these changes effectively. Fluid retention, or edema, is common during pregnancy and unavoidable due to the hormonal changes and increased circulation of fluids. With a balanced healthy diet, there are ways to minimize the effects of fluid retention. Natural diuretic foods can help and are readily available.
Medical Background
Mild edema is normal and is commonly seen in the hands, feet and ankles. However, facial swelling and rapid weight gain with increased blood pressure require medical attention as these symptoms may indicate the serious condition, preeclampsia. This is a life-threatening complication and must be treated rapidly once it develops.
Diuretics
Medicinal diuretics, such as furosemide, can play a major role in treating fluid retention as the goal is for the kidney to excrete more urine. During pregnancy there are not many medicinal options due to the risk for fetal damage. Natural diuretics in the form of foods may be part of the solution when medicines are not an option. Additionally they can provide extra nutritional benefits to you and your baby since fruits and vegetables contain fiber, water, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
Water
The most natural and commonly known diuretic is water. The importance of drinking the recommended eight cups of water daily is that it helps stimulate your kidneys to eliminate the extra fluid in your body. Watch your daily dietary sodium intake since it will increase water retention. Avoid eating processed foods like cheeses and salt-cured meats, which are full of sodium. Add a variety of fruits and vegetables to your diet daily and this will directly affect pregnancy-related fluid retention.
Vegetables and Herbs
Eat vegetables and fruits that contain high water content such as celery, carrots, cucumbers and onions. Scientists have discovered that celery and members of its family (i.e. carrots, parsley, fennel and dill) contain active compounds known as phthalides. Phthalides have anti-hypertensive properties and relax the blood vessels, thus allowing them to dilate. Cucumber is also an ideal source as it is comprised of 96 percent water and its seeds are especially diuretic. Add watercress, which contains 93 percent water, to soups and salads; it contains many vitamins, electrolytes and minerals including A, C, E, folate, potassium, and calcium iron.
Fruits
Watermelon is a favorite fruit in the summertime, because it is naturally refreshing. It is comprised of 92 percent water. It also contains compounds that help the circulatory system. These compounds help to relax blood vessels and it, in turn, helps lower blood pressure which allows fluids to circulate easier. Citrus fruits, bananas, and pineapple are all sources of vitamin C.
Considerations
Remember that proper management of pregnancy-related edema not only depends on your diet but also your activity level.
