Fluid retention

Fluid retention is a problem for many women especially in the last 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy. It is common at the end of the day after walking or being busy on your feet all day. Fluid retention is not a serious problem during pregnancy unless accompanied by high blood pressure or protein in the urine. If either of these exists it can lead to a condition known as Toxaemia. Something that you can do for yourself is put your finger into your ankle region or where the fluid retention is and see if the indentation made by your finger pressure remains indented after you move your hand away. If it does then you need to have your urine and blood pressure checked. Fluid retention can be uncomfortable and cause problems with contact lens wearers and vision may be altered in people.
Here are some common sense easy to do at home tips:

1. Drinking more water and high quality fluids - this is very important. Dehydration can cause fluid retention as the body tries to hold onto its water for the baby. A pregnant woman needs about 2 litres of water/day.

2. Wear flat comfortable shoes, avoid standing or being on your feet for long periods.

3. Exercise to keep your circulation going. Daily walks will help to keep your weight under control. Make sure you stay cool and drink water.

4. Rest regularly and put your feet up when you do.

5. Sleep with a pillow under your feet or elevate your bed at the bottom end slightly to encourage lymphatic system drainage.

6. Do specific exercises for your feet including turning them in alternating directions. Bend up and down. Yoga is great for exercise during pregnancy.

7. Commit to a daily leg massage. Be sure to promote drainage towards your heart. Take care of any bruises or varicose veins.

8. Essential oils can be added to your massage oil or applied to your body with a carrier oil before or after a shower or added to bath water with disperser. 2 great Essential oils beneficial for lymphatic drainage are Grapefruit & geranium. Try our professionally formulated NZ health shop Body tone oil specifically for fluid and weight gain during pregnancy We have lots of testimonials from our happy customers about Body tone. These are available upon request.

9. Take a multi vitamin daily throughout your pregnancy. With fluid retention you will need additional vitamin B6, Magnesium, vitamin E, sodium sulphate and potassium phosphate. These supplements will also alleviate cramping during pregnancy? a lot of women avoid sodium in their diet but it has been my experience in the clinic that we need it and even more so during pregnancy.

10. Try homeopathic remedies such as Phosphorous: if fluid retention is accompanied by a lack of thirst, excessive hunger, night sweats or profuse perspiration at any time and the pregnant woman is fearful, fidgety and starts easily. Apis - the affected area is swollen and tender to touch & sensitive to pressure. All symptoms are worse for heat. Apathy and a total lack of motivation is common with a Apis picture. Nat Mur - this remedy is appropriate when accompanied by weakness and nervous anxiety, depression or fear. If you are avoiding other mothers because of tension and/ or insecure feelings.

11. Herbal teas are supportive as they water intake is therapeutic in its own right. Herbs such as dandelion leaf and Couch grass are safe and gentle diuretics. Mix equal portions into a jar & mix well. Add 1 teaspoon of the combination to a cup of boiling water, steep for 11 minutes, strain and drink up to 3 cups daily.
Please seek advice on Fluid retention - there are things that you can do to improve your situation.