Unlike some diet restrictions during pregnancy, such as raw fish and alcohol, sodium is safe to consume in moderation, and your body needs it to operate. The amount that's healthy for you may depend on your current health situation and family history, so ask your doctor to help you determine how much sodium you should have each day. It is important to understand how you can manage your diet so you are consuming a healthy level of sodium.
Benefits
Sodium is not only safe to consume, it's necessary during pregnancy. According to FamilyDoctor.org, sodium helps to keep fluid in your body. It is also needed to help your nerves and muscles function, and it helps regulate your blood pressure.
Safe Amount
A healthy adult needs about 2300 mg of sodium a day, which is equal to about 1 tsp. of salt. If you consume excessive amounts of sodium, it could lead to high blood pressure and swelling. If you experience these effects, your doctor may test you for preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension. Preeclampsia can lead to problems such as low birth weight in your child.
Foods to Avoid
If you are trying to watch your sodium intake during pregnancy, avoid food items high in salt such as soy sauce, onion sauce, bouillon cubes and canned soup and vegetables. Meats such as ham, bacon and sausage are high in salt. Limit your intake of processed foods and meals from restaurants and fast food establishments.
Recommendations
In addition to avoiding food products with high levels of sodium, make sure you eat a healthy level of sodium by eating more fresh foods. If you eat a salad, put the dressing on the side. Taste your food before salting it, and try seasoning it with herbs and spices instead of table salt. Oregano, parsley, dill weed, marjoram, paprika and thyme are healthier options for adding flavor to food.
References
- BabyCenter: Is It Safe to Eat a Lot of Salty Foods During Pregnancy?; Amanda Leonard, RD
- FamilyDoctor.org; Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension; January 2010
- MedlinePlus; Sodium in Diet; David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David C. Dugdale, III, MD; May 2010
- Colorado State University Extension; Sodium in the Diet; J. Anderson, L. Young, E. Long and S. Prior; May 2010
