Pregnancy & Baby 

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Toxaemia concerns

It really is important that you know some of the facts. You are correct in thinking that avoiding salt will not prevent toxaemia; in fact, this is probably not exactly what he said. In a pregnant woman, unless heart disease or congestive heart failure has been documented and noted as a problem, excess use of salt should be avoided. Also avoid such foods as bacon, cured meats and chips - but then again we should probably all avoid these foods. Still, we all need some salt in our diet.

Dependent ankle oedema, which is “water swelling”, is normal in pregnancy, but it can also serve as a red flag: It can act as a warning of possible pre-eclampsia if it persists all day and is accompanied by swelling in other areas. I would normally suggest that you should continue with extra fluids in order to stimulate the kidney function. You should rest on your side, or lie propped up, at lunchtime to help mobilise the fluid (lying flat tends to decrease the uterine blood flow), keep your feet up whenever possible, and have your blood pressure checked at least twice per month. Remember that oedema in the feet is not harmful. During hot weather, we often see swelling in the feet and lower leg. If this oedema extends to the face or if you develop protein in the urine, or experience headaches, upper abdominal pain or visual disturbances, call your doctor immediately, so that he can arrange for other tests to be performed.

Remember, too, that the blood pressure does not have to reach abnormally high levels to indicate pre-eclampsia; if it shows an increase that is significant from all of your other, routine antenatal readings this may be an indication which can cause concern to your doctor or midwife.

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