PREGNANCY MONTH 3
While some of us sail through pregnancy without a moment of morning sickness to show for it, most of us experience our fair share of pain and discomfort along the way. These useful tips might help ease those common complaints.
OEDEMA (SWELLING)
WHY Your body carries more extracellular fluid during pregnancy, and this can cause normal swelling of the feet and ankles that subsides once you put your feet up. If the onset is sudden and severe, affecting the face, hands and legs, it could be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This should be checked out by your doctor immediately.
FOOD FIXES Onion and garlic are good circulatory tonics. Natural diuretics, which help in the release of waste, are celery, asparagus, artichokes, grapes, blackcurrants and parsley. Vitamin C is a mild diuretic, so increase your intake of citrus fruits, red berries, peppers and leafy greens.
IDEAL EXERCISES Regular exercise stimulates circulation, which speeds up the release of waste products in the tissues. It's this accumulation of waste and water that causes the swelling. Swimming is excellent for this.
SAFE MEDICINE Try Nat Sulph (no 11) tissue salt for water elimination and Combin L for circulation.
Go for a lymph drainage massage to stimulate the lymphatic system, which absorbs waste and toxins from surrounding tissues. Herbal teas, such as dandelion and nettle, stimulate the kidneys to process
