Swellin like a Felon

Yesterday Brandon and I visited a friends church- as soon as we walk in the lights go out and the air conditioning goes off. (should we take that as a sign!?) Anyway the longer and HOTTER it got in there I could feel my self expanding. NOT COOL! (literally!) What is up with the heat and making you feel like a bloated whale? I checked out a few sights to see the best way to combat getting puffy when it’s hot.
“Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy that is caused by this additional blood and fluid. Normal swelling, which is also called edema, is experienced in the hands, face, legs, ankles, and feet.

This extra retention of fluid is needed to soften the body, which enables it to expand as the baby develops. Extra fluid also helps prepare the pelvic joints and tissues to open to allow the baby to be born. The extra fluids account for approximately 25% of the weight women gain during pregnancy.” -American Pregnancy Association.
Ok so THAT made me feel normal at least. BUT here’s what we can do about it or at least soften the blow of the inevitable.
The following factors may also affect swelling:
* Summertime heat
* Standing for long periods of time
* “Long” days of activity
* Diet low in potassium
* High level of caffeine consumption
* High level of sodium intake
So staying out of the heat, eating bananas (high in potassium!) and not eating every salty thing you can get your hands on will definitely help!
Oh and the power finally went back on at the church and I sort of went back to normal but not really - after wards we at the California Pizza Kitchen and then we went to see Transformers 2 and by the time that was all said and done I thought my sandals weren’t gonna fit me anymore! It was like 110 degrees here yesterday - definitely learned that is not ideal weather for a preggers girl!