Pregnancy & Baby 

Advertisement

Bloating: foods to fight water retention

It is important that you continue to see your doctor frequently. A rapid weight gain of more than two pounds per week could signify the onset of a serious condition called pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is characterised by oedema (fluid retention), protein in the urine and high blood pressure. Usually the condition doesn't develop until mid- to late pregnancy. However, due to the unusually rapid rate at which you have gained weight, careful monitoring of your condition should continue.

Oedema is very normal during pregnancy. About 50 percent of pregnant women experience it at sometime during their pregnancy. It tends to become worse during the third trimester, but can happen at any point. It may be that the rise in pregnancy hormone levels is causing you to retain more fluid.

To make yourself more comfortable, and to help with the water retention, lie down or put your feet up regularly. Avoid tight fitting clothes, shoes or stockings. Exercise will also help.

It is wise to try to avoid diuretic drugs, especially during the early weeks of pregnancy. Some foods are noted for their diuretic effect, and you may include them in moderation in your diet. They include: celery, onion, parsley, coffee (include in moderation because of the caffeine content), tea, aubergine, garlic and peppermint.

There is some evidence which indicates that evening primrose oil, fish oils or linoleic acid (a fatty acid found in safflower oil) may help with oedema associated with pre-eclampsia, but it may not help with the normal oedema of pregnancy, and as yet, no recommendations have been made. It would be safe - and may be helpful - to include a few oily fish dishes each week. Choose organic farmed salmon or other organic farmed fish to reduce the risk of toxins.

Delicious     Digg     reddit     Facebook     StumbleUpon

  Get the latest iVillage news on your desktop    Sign up for more iVillage RSS feeds

© iVillage Limited 2000-2008. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2008. All rights reserved.
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB