How to Reduce Water Retention in Pregnancy
Stinging Nettle, or common nettle, is a perennial flowering plant that grows in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa, and North America. It does get its name from the many stinging hairs on the leaves and stems. But don’t worry, soaking it in water or cooking the nettle removes the stinging chemicals from the plant. You don’t have to worry about getting blisters in your mouth and digestive tract!
Nettle is a significant source of:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Calcium
- Silicon
- Potassium chloride
- Chlorophyll
- Protein
- Dietary fiber.
While there are many uses of the plant, one of them is very helpful in pregnancy. Nettle is a good diuretic. When you take it regularly, it assists the kidneys in excreting more water. Water leaving the body results in weight reduction!
Now, did I have some swelling and water weight gain with my pregnancy even with taking the nettle? Of course! But it was very little and much less than my other pregnancies. My doctor even commented a few times on how little swelling I had, especially during the humid summer months when most pregnant women have lots of swelling going on.
How To Take Nettle
My very favorite way to consume nettle every day is found in the Mama’s Red Raspberry Brew from the Bulk Herb Store. I kept a pitcher of this tea in my fridge all the time and drank as much as I wanted each day. Not only does this tea mix have nettle in it, it also has other herbs to make for a healthy pregnancy and baby! I still drink this tea because it’s good for anyone at any time in their life. It’s so nutritious! You can find it here.
You can also buy nettle in leaf form by itself to drink as a tea or add it to other herbs that you have on hand. Nettle is also available in powdered form to add to smoothies or to sprinkle on foods.
While there may be some herbs that are not safe during pregnancy, nettle is one of those must-have herbs for all mommas who want to reduce water retention in pregnancy. It’s truly a safe, effective, and affordable remedy!
Hi I just read this on my emails. Thank you.
I love nettle tea I have been drinking it frequently since my 1st pregnancy 14 yes ago. Every day when pregnant and most days breastfeeding. I have never had fluid retention I wonder is that the power of nettles also having no white sugar or artifical sugar in my diet or common table salt high in sodium. Instead choosing Himalayan or sea salt I would say helps. I have shared you article so it can help other women. Thanks again
Nora
Never had a idea that Nettle could be useful specially for pregnant to lessen there water retention. There’s a lot of caution for Pregnant mommies, after reading this post its truly safe, cheap and effective. I will certainly share this to others, Thanks Jill!
I’m dealing with water retention 9 months postpartum – still can’t take my wedding ring off! Can this tea help with that?