Today’s Usage Tip: Reduce swelling during pregnancy with fruits and vegetables

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.

Warning

If your doctor prescribes diuretics to cope with excess swelling, avoid also consuming diuretic foods or teas, unless she recommends it. While some swelling is normal during pregnancy, check frequently with your obstetrician about the level of fluid retention you’re experiencing. According to MayoClinic.com. untreated edema can lead to infection or poor blood circulation, putting your health and that of your baby at risk.

Additional Measures

Limiting certain foods or practices can be just as important during pregnancy as what you add to your routine. The APA notes that having too much caffeine and salt contributes to extra swelling. Reduce or eliminate these substances from your diet as much as possible. Resting with your feet up, avoiding long periods of standing or being outside in hot weather, wearing supportive hosiery and applying cool compresses also reduce pregnancy swelling.

 References

• MayoClinic.com: Swelling in Pregnancy: Where Did My Ankles Go?
• MayoClinic.com: Edema: Treatments and Drugs
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Edema
• American Pregnancy Association: Swelling During Pregnancy
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium

USDA: Food Sources of Selected Nutrients