Amniotic fluid is a liquid often covering up your unborn baby(usually brownish yellow). It’s sorta cozy, protective cushion for your baby while it grows in the uterus.
It forms a crucial part of pregnancy and helps babies develop healthily. Just sometimes, there can be too much of it, which can cause discomfort and could lead to pregnancy or delivery complications, a condition known as polyhydramnios.
If you’re looking for natural ways to manage and reduce excess amniotic fluid during pregnancy, you found the right article.
While it’s always important to talk this out with your healthcare provider and follow their advice, these natural strategies may help you manage this condition more comfortably.
What Causes Too Much Amniotic Fluid?
Also known as Polyhydramnios, excess amniotic fluids can happen for many reasons. Congenital disorders account for more than 70% cases of this condition. This is basically when the baby isn’t swallowing the amniotic fluid as it should.
Another possible cause is high blood sugar levels in pregnant moms, arising from diabetes that occurs before or during the pregnancy.
Other times, genetic conditions in babies or perhaps pregnancy infections are the culprits. There are also instances where it happened because mom had twins or quadruplets.
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to discuss with your OB when you do suspect a rise in amniotic fluid levels. In most cases, you don’t need any treatment but doctors can help you monitor severe conditions, and understand any necessary steps to take to manage it.
How can I reduce my Amniotic fluid levels during pregnancy?
We advise against managing polyhydramnios alone without informing your doctor. Doctors will give you the lowdown based on your specific health needs. However, there are some general tips you can consider to support your body naturally:
Stay Hydrated
You might think that drinking more water will make the problem worse, but it’s actually the opposite! Your body needs a steady supply of water to work correctly.
Your body feels “safe” and knows it’s getting what it needs when you drink enough water, so it’s less likely to hold onto extra fluids. Water also helps flush out waste and keep everything flowing, including the amniotic fluid around your baby.
Aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. This is the general guideline; however, your doctor can give you the exact amount you need during your pregnancy. Just remember to spread it out throughout the day instead of drinking a lot all at once.
Don’t worry if you’re using the bathroom more frequently—that’s totally normal, especially when you’re pregnant and drinking lots of water. Your body is practically doing its job to ensure you and your little one are healthy.
Eat a balanced diet
Eating balanced meals means nourishing your body. And when you do that well, you’re practically providing your body with the necessary tools to maintain balance, including regulating amniotic fluids.
Start by chipping in a variety of foods into your meals. Fruits and vegetables are great because they are a powerhouse of many vitamins and minerals.
Plus, they’re high in fiber and low in calories. Include whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat bread, which offers energy and might help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
We can’t talk about balanced diets leaving out proteins. Go for lean meats, seafood, eggs, and beans. These not only grow and repair your muscles, hair, and nails, but they can also help your baby develop nicely.
Dairy and its alternatives are equally essential. They contain calcium that strengthens the baby’s bones and teeth.
Including avocados, olive oil, and certain fish in your diet is important, too. These make up healthy fats in your diet, which are beneficial for your baby’s brain development.
A varied diet helps ensure that you get all the nutrients you and your baby need. It also aids your body’s natural fluid management systems by keeping everything balanced.
It’s especially important if you’re dealing with issues like gestational diabetes, which can toss up your amniotic fluid levels.
Monitor your salt intake.
Salt makes your body retain water. While this isn’t necessarily bad, excess amounts might mess with your body’s fluid balance, including the amniotic fluid around your baby.
Now, this doesn’t mean stopping to eat salt completely. Your body actually needs some of it. It’s important to help your muscles and nerves work properly. But, like many things, moderation is the key.
Here’s the scoop: Your body tries to keep everything in check by holding onto more water when you overeat salt. This can lead to more fluid building up in general, which might affect your amniotic fluid levels.
So, by eating less salty stuff, you literally help your body maintain a healthier fluid balance. I realize it’s so easy to binge-eat salt without even realizing it, especially if you’re into pre-packaged or processed foods.
These can be real salt traps. Cooking at home more often gives you better control over how much salt goes into your food. You don’t have to make your food taste bland, though.
Experiment with other seasonings like herbs and spices to add flavor without the extra salt. Things like lemon juice, garlic, and pepper can make your food taste great without upping your salt intake.
Exercise regularly
Exercise isn’t only gonna keep you fit. It can actually help check the levels of fluids in your body, including amniotic fluid. Now, you might be wondering, “How does that work?”
Well, when you exercise, you’re helping your blood to circulate better. This improved circulation gets everything flowing as it should, which can help manage the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby.
But here’s the thing: It’s important to choose the right kind of exercise during pregnancy. Not all activities are suitable when you’re expecting, so it’s about finding those sweet spots of activity that keep you moving without overdoing it.
Walking is a fantastic option. It’s usually gentle and can be done anywhere without special equipment. Swimming is another excellent choice.
It’s simply wonderful and super low-impact. Swimming can be perfect as your pregnancy advances, and you feel more weighed down. The key is to listen to your body and not push too hard. Moderate, consistent exercise is the goal.
Before you dive into a new exercise routine, though, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your healthcare provider. They can give you the green light on which activities are best for you and share tips on exercising safely during your pregnancy.
FAQS – How To Reduce Amniotic Fluid In Pregnancy Naturally
Walking keeps your blood circulating. This improved flow can help manage your body fluids, including amniotic fluids.
If you have too much amniotic fluid, you might notice things like swelling in your belly that happens pretty fast, Feeling extra uncomfortable with breathing, Leaking or gushing water from your vagina, Having contractions, or feeling like your belly is really tight. If you spot these signs, it’s a good plan to give your doctor a call.
There aren’t specific foods that are known to cause higher levels of amniotic fluid. Still, it’s wise to eat balanced meals and avoid too much of anything with a lot of salt or sugar. If your doctor gives you special diet tips, it’s important to follow those.
How To Reduce Amniotic Fluid In Pregnancy Naturally: This Is a Wrap
Keeping your amniotic fluid at a healthy level naturally can be part of your overall plan for a smooth pregnancy. Simple steps like exercising(gentle ones of course) like walking, keeping up with your water intake, and munching on plenty of fruits and veggies can be really helpful.
While food doesn’t directly reduce amniotic fluid, eating a well-balanced diet supports your body in lots of ways. Remember, you shouldn’t manage this condition solely.
Talk it out with a healthcare provider and allow them to intervene and help you as they know what’s best for your unique situation.
