If you're pregnant -- particularly if you're in late pregnancy -- you may notice your hands and feet beginning to swell. While this is often a completely normal and harmless side effect of pregnancy, it can also be an early sign of a dangerous condition. Eating egg whites doesn't cause -- or prevent -- pregnancy swelling.
Pregnancy and Egg Whites
During pregnancy, you need plenty of nutrient-dense foods to help provide for the nutritional needs of your cells and those of your growing baby. Egg whites are excellent sources of protein, and because they don't contain significant fats or carbohydrates, you may have included them in your diet as a healthier alternative to whole eggs. Provided you're not allergic to eggs, there's no reason not to do this; no studies have linked them to any negative effects.
Pregnancy Swelling
Swelling during pregnancy is normal, explains Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel in their book "What to Expect When You're Expecting." The reason for the swelling is twofold. First, you have increased blood volume, and while your heart strengthens to move the extra fluid around, it's still difficult to do, and fluid leaks into the spaces between the cells. Second, your growing baby puts pressure on the veins in your abdomen and makes it harder to get blood back to the heart, which can affect your blood pressure.
Toxemia
While some swelling is completely normal, it's also possible that swelling can indicate a serious condition called preeclampsia or toxemia. This is particularly true if your swelling comes on quickly or spreads beyond your hands and feet. The American Pregnancy Association explains that toxemia results from excessively high blood pressure and is a dangerous condition that threatens the life of both mother and baby. It's most common in late pregnancy and in first-time moms.
What To Do
If you notice swelling during pregnancy, egg whites aren't to blame, so you needn't cut them out of your diet. If your swelling is minor and you've been seeing your doctor regularly, you likely don't need to worry. If your swelling is severe or comes on quickly, call your obstetrician. Your doctor will check your blood pressure for signs of toxemia and, if necessary, can either prescribe rest or choose to deliver your baby if you're near the end of your term.
References
- "What to Expect When You're Expecting"; Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel; 2008
- American Pregnancy Association: Toxemia
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