How to Prevent Bloating During Pregnancy
Bloating is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy. When pregnancy causes bloating it is a condition called edema or less formally "water weight." Most commonly this condition is harmless. It's caused when excess fluid encapsulates within your body's tissues. Edema usually occurs in the ankles, feet, legs and arms. It can be very uncomfortable. Medication isn't given to those with edema while pregnant but there are a few things you can do to reduce the occurrence.
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Consider your diet. A great first step in preventing bloating while pregnant is watching your sodium intake. Avoid processed foods at all costs and when possible have low-sodium foods. After all, sodium causes bloating whether you're pregnant or not. In addition, make sure to drink six to eight glasses of water daily. This will prompt your kidneys to properly do their job and ironically relieve your body of excess water.
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Refrain from tight clothing. The easiest thing you can do to help prevent bloating is to wear loose clothing. Tight pants and especially tight shoes will restrict your blood flow. Your body is already busy and on edge preparing for your baby. Tight clothing only aggravates the already dormant capability of bloating.
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Elevate bloating prone areas. Elevating allows the blood to flow away from the problem area quickly reducing any bloating that may already be occurring. In addition, elevating daily can prevent bloating from happening in the first place. While you are relaxing or while you sleep simply hike your feet up on a table or some pillows. Also, place your arms on pillows as well.
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Participate in regular work outs. A low impact cardio regime of 30 minutes a day is the most effective way to prevent bloating. Go walking or swimming as a low intensity way to increase blood circulation.
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Massage your legs, feet and arms regularly. As recognized in previous steps, adequate blood circulation is the main preventative for bloating while pregnant. Weather you massage your problem areas yourself or have a loved one help you, make sure to massage daily.
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