The journey of pregnancy is beautiful and worth undertaking by every woman, yet it comes with its own challenges. One of these challenges that come with pregnancy is the frequent pour of amniotic fluid, a medical condition termed as polyhydramnios.
This condition comes with a lot of discomfort and in some cases, may lead to delivery complications. While it is usually recommended to treat persistent discharge of amniotic fluid medically, you may also resort to help it in a natural way.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about amniotic fluid and some ways on how you can reduce it in pregnancy naturally.
What is amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid is basically the water you usually see in your liner, usually yellow in color. It is found in the amniotic sac, where the foetus is, and works by holding and protecting the baby.
It contains nutrients, hormones and antibodies, which is passed on from mom to baby to strengthen its immune system and support growth.
During pregnancy, your body doesn’t stop producing amniotic fluids, however the quantity at which it is produced varies for each individual.
When you are producing higher amounts of amniotic fluids, it becomes disturbing, thus the need to reduce it.
What causes too much amniotic fluid in pregnancy ?
High discharge of amniotic fluid can be caused by factors like:
- Being pregnant with twins
- Foetal infection
- When foetus lacks the right amount of blood and iron
- Gestational diabetes, also high blood pressure in pregnancy
- When you have an incompatible blood type with foetus
- Birth defects or congenital disorders
What are the signs of too much amniotic fluid in pregnancy?
These signs may indicate that your body is producing excess amniotic fluids and the need to for it to be checked:
- You are likely to experience discomfort in your pregnancy
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs and feet
- More foetal movements
- Indigestion
- Hurtburn
- Lose of appetite
- Frequent urination
- Delivery before expected date, also pre-term labor
- Placenta may detach from the womb
- Increase in size of your abdomen
How can I reduce amniotic fluid naturally in pregnancy ?
Infact, there are no scientifically proven ways to naturally reduce amniotic fluid. However, these remedies are sure to help minimize it.
- Avoiding the intake of caffeinated products
- Avoiding the intake of spicy foods
- Staying hydrated all day long
- Eating plenty fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding smoking, if you do
It is important to consult your doctor if you try these remedies for a month or two and did not see any improvement.
Foods to naturally reduce amniotic fluid during pregnancy
While there aren’t any scientifically evidenced foods that will reduce amniotic fluid naturally, you can be sure of taking these foods to ensure your overall wellbeing and that of your baby during pregnancy.
- Citrus fruits
- Vegetables
- Low-fat dairy
- Lean meat
- Beans
Medical ways to reduce amniotic fluid
Since our bodies work differently, you may have already tried these natural remedies but didn’t work. Well, that’s still fine. You can consider these medical ways to help;
Amnioreduction
In this method, your obstetrician will insert a needle into your womb to push way for excess amniotic fluid to come out. While you may think of this procedure to be risky, it is perfectly safe and a sure way to reduce amniotic fluid.
There may be symptoms such as bleeding, expedited delivery or in the extreme case, infection. These symptoms usually do not happen in most cases, and so chances are you are not likely to get them.
Intake of indomethacin drugs
Your obstetrician must strictly prescribe these drugs and guide you in taking them. It works by suppressing the hormones that produces and regulates your amniotic fluid levels.
Taking indomethacin drugs is also an effective way to reduce amniotic fluid as results only takes a few days to a week to show.
However, it may also come with side effects like bleeding in the baby, very low amniotic fluid levels and closure of the baby’s ductus arteriosus (the blood vessel that connects the aorta and pulmonary artery in kids such that blood skips circulation to the lungs)
Does walking reduce amniotic fluid in pregnancy?
This idea of reducing amniotic fluid by means of walking has no scientific grounding and it isn’t backed by any fact.
Pregnancy exercises that includes walking are good for your health and the baby, but won’t necessarily reduce amniotic fluids.
Does caffeine reduce amniotic fluid in pregnancy?
Infact, there isn’t enough research to support caffeine to reducing amniotic fluid levels in pregnancy. To the best of my knowledge, caffeine intake must even be reduced during pregnancy as it can pose some risks to both mom and baby.
Excess caffeine intake may even pose risks such as reduction in weight and a stunted growth of foetus, indigestion and sleeplessness.
FAQs
Usually pregnant women living with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of getting excess discharge of amniotic fluids.
Naturally, amniotic fluid should decrease gradually after your 24th week of pregnancy.
If you are treating too much amniotic fluid, then you should see result of reduction after a week or two, when you use procedures such as amnioreduction and the intake of indomethacin drugs.
Too much amniotic fluid can cause problems like breathing difficulty in baby and improper positioning of foetus.
If you’re looking to reduce amniotic fluid, then you should avoid foods such as cucumber, watermelon, grapefruit, tomatoes and cauliflower.
There is a research to prove that salt will reduce too much amniotic fluid.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, there isn’t any scientifically approved ways or foods to reduce amniotic fluid naturally. However, with these suggested methods and food lists, you can be sure of improving overall wellbeing during pregnancy, which may help reduce excess discharge of amniotic fluids eventually.
Also, do well to talk to your doctor if the problem still persist after a couple of months of trying out these remedies.
References:
March Of Dimes (Amniotic Fluids), Cleveland Clinic (Oligohydramnios: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment), National Library Of Medicine (Amniotic Fluid Index)
