It is not very common to get gout during pregnancy, but it does happen. This disorder can cause symptoms such as joint swelling and pain, usually in the big toe. Unfortunately, most of the drugs used to treat gout have not been tested sufficiently to confirm their safety in the gestational period. However, it is possible to try to combat the problem through diet and lifestyle changes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Food Changes
Step 1. Drink lots of water
Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. During pregnancy, the amount of fluids in circulation increases. Some of it seeps into the tissues, where it can accumulate and cause edema.
- During gestation this can cause dehydration, exacerbating the symptoms associated with gout. You need to make up for lost fluids by hydrating more.
- Water promotes the normal functioning of the kidneys by purifying them and diluting the uric acid crystals, produced in greater quantities. This in turn helps reduce the amount of uric acid crystals deposited in the joints, alleviating symptoms and decreasing the frequency with which gout episodes occur.
- During pregnancy you should always have a bottle of water at hand. Also remember that you need to consume more fluids after exercising and in the warmer months.
Step 2. Limit your salt intake
Avoid any meals or snacks that are full of them. Salt contains high amounts of sodium, which aggravates water retention and causes fluid to build up on the extremities of inflamed joints, making the situation worse.
- Do not over-salt the dishes you prepare. Also avoid fast food foods, which are notoriously full of salt. Snacks such as chips and pretzels are also not recommended.
- Also beware of unsuspected sources of salt, such as canned foods, where it is used as a preservative.
Step 3. Incorporate more complex carbohydrates into your diet
Contained in foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, they help alleviate the symptoms associated with gout. Instead, avoid processed and refined carbohydrates found in baked goods, confectionery, sugary drinks, and any corn syrup products.
- Aim to eat 1-2 servings of vegetables with each meal. Prefer fruit for snacks, try eating 2-3 servings a day.
- When cooking, replace white flour with wholemeal flour.
- Prefer pasta and brown rice.
Step 4. Prefer skimmed versions of milk and dairy products
In case of gout it is best to avoid fats. To reduce consumption, opt for skimmed milk and derivatives, such as:
- Light yogurt;
- Skimmed milk;
- Low-fat cheese;
- Ice cream made with skim milk or frozen yogurt.
Step 5. Limit your consumption of red meat
To treat gout, it is good to minimize the consumption of this food and all other sources rich in purines as much as possible.
- When purines are metabolized, they release uric acid, so reducing the consumption of foods that are rich in uric acid is essential to avoid gestational gout episodes.
- Certain foods rich in purines: red meat (such as beef and bacon), lamb, venison, turkey, ham, duck, chicken, organs such as brain, liver or kidney, fish and seafood such as anchovies, sardines, crab, lobster, salmon, tuna, shellfish and oysters, lentils, asparagus, cauliflower, red beans, lima beans, oats, peas, spinach and mushrooms.
- You don't have to completely eliminate them from your diet, but try to limit your consumption to around 150 mg per day. Before switching to a low-purine diet, talk to your gynecologist.
Step 6. Eat more berries
Containing high amounts of anthocyanins (antioxidants), they are considered excellent for individuals with gout.
- These antioxidants can fight free radicals, which are released from uric acid crystals after causing damage to cells and tissues. They have excellent anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve joint inflammation due to gout.
- This means they can naturally fight pain and swelling. Some studies also show that they are able to lower the concentration of uric acid in the blood.
- All berries, including blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and cherries, contain high amounts of anthocyanins.
Step 7. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps rebuild the connective tissue and collagen of inflamed joints
It also promotes proper kidney function by decreasing the levels of uric acid in the blood. All this has an adjuvant effect in the treatment of gout.
- To lower the uric acid concentration 500 mg of vitamin C per day is recommended. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are also a source of ascorbic acid: they are in fact alkalizing fruits that counteract the effects of uric acid in the body, and also decrease the formation and deposits of crystals in the joints.
- This substantially reduces the most acute episodes of gout, as it fights joint inflammation and swelling.
Step 8. Monitor your fat intake
During pregnancy, unsaturated fats should be preferred, such as milk and skimmed derivatives (milk, yogurt, etc.). Instead, avoid saturated fats, such as those found in processed foods, fast food foods, dairy products made with whole milk, or fat residues in red meat.
- Saturated fats are harmful to the body. They can trigger episodes of gout, as they trap uric acid in the body and inhibit the ability to get rid of it. This therefore stimulates the formation of uric acid crystals. They are deposited in the joints, causing gout attacks and intensifying the frequency of painful episodes.
- In addition, saturated fats can affect body weight, increasing the risk of obesity. This syndrome is also a trigger associated with gout: the weight weighs on the joints affected by the irritation. In addition to stressing them, it exacerbates inflammation and edema, making the overall situation worse.
- Controlling your fat intake and opting for unsaturated fats will make a big difference, helping to counter gout attacks.
Method 2 of 3: Alleviate the Symptoms of Gout
Step 1. Monitor your weight during pregnancy
Taking too much will exacerbate the symptoms associated with gout. However, do not try to lose weight during the gestational period. Make a commitment to eat healthy and regularly monitor the pounds you gain. Even women suffering from obesity must still gain 5-10 kg.
- Talk to your gynecologist for specific recommendations regarding nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy.
- If it is a twin or multiple pregnancy, you need to gain more weight. Talk to your gynecologist to assess your specific situation.
Step 2. Apply ice to the affected joint
This is a very effective method of relieving swelling and fluid build-up in the area of the joint affected by gout. It also fights other symptoms of inflammation, such as redness, skin warmth and pain.
- The cooling effect of the ice stimulates the vasoconstriction of the capillaries found in the area of the affected joint, thus limiting the filtration of liquids and helping to treat localized edema (swelling).
- Never apply ice cubes directly to the skin, otherwise you risk damaging the tissues. Instead, wrap them in a cotton towel before placing them on the affected area.
- If you don't have ice on hand, use a bag of frozen vegetables, vegetables, or legumes, such as corn or peas. Wrap it in kitchen paper or a towel before use.
- Do the compress for about 20 minutes. Repeat this 3-4 times a day to combat pain and inflammation.
Step 3. Raise the inflamed joint above the level of the heart
If the affected joint is on the lower extremities, such as the big toe, it is good to sit or lie down, supporting the ankle with a pillow. The same goes for the ankle and knee joints.
If the affected joints include elbows, wrists, or fingers, use pillows to lift and support them at chest height. Help yourself with an armchair or a desk
Step 4. Wrap the affected joint with a cold cabbage leaf
It is a natural solution within everyone's reach, effective in combating joint edema (swelling).
- This is a traditional method of relieving joint swelling. Cabbage leaves have excellent anti-inflammatory agents, such as sinigrin, lactic acid and vitamin C, known for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is therefore a natural technique to reduce edema.
- You may want to put the leaves in the refrigerator before use. Once they are very cold, wrap them around your big toe (for example), then secure them with a bandage. To facilitate the procedure, the central stem must be removed, which has a hard consistency.
- Leave them on overnight. They are effective for fighting nocturnal gout episodes. You can also use them during the day, making compresses of 4-6 hours.
Step 5. Wear loose fitting clothing
If you suffer from painful episodes of gout affecting the joints of the torso and upper limbs, such as those in the wrists or fingers, avoid using tight accessories such as bracelets or rings for some time.
- Tight clothing and accessories can put more pressure on swollen and irritated joints. This can be quite annoying, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy.
- If your wrists or fingers become swollen, remove the accessories and consult your doctor immediately, before the gout episode occurs.
Step 6. Exercise regularly
Aerobic exercise (such as cycling, walking, or swimming) speeds up your heart rate. Exercising at least 3 times a week can help ease the symptoms associated with gout. However, avoid exercises that would cause pain in the affected joints. For example, if your big toe has swollen and you are having difficulty walking, opt for a different workout, such as riding a stationary bike at the gym.
Step 7. Try the dandelion tea
It is another natural and safe method to relieve swelling in inflamed joints. Dandelion is a plant that allows the kidneys to expel all unwanted fluids from the body.
- Dandelion is a very effective natural diuretic for relieving and treating localized edema. This is due to its high potassium concentration, which decreases the liquids accumulated in the body and balances the mineral salts.
- To make the tea, pour a teaspoon of dried leaves into a glass of water, then bring to a boil. Leave the herbal tea to infuse for 5 minutes and drink it.
- Before using dandelion leaves, discuss it with your gynecologist. If you suffer from cholecystitis, take anticoagulants or are at risk of hyperkalemia (excess potassium in the blood) because you are simultaneously taking a potassium-sparing diuretic, this plant may not be recommended.
Step 8. Drink your coffee in moderation
Even a limited amount of caffeine can help ease the symptoms associated with gout. Just make sure you don't drink more than 1-2 cups a day during the gestational period.
Method 3 of 3: Try Medical Treatment
Step 1. See your doctor about medications and other options
Most of the drugs used for gout have not been subjected to enough tests to confirm their safety during the gestational period.
- Rather than prescribing medications, gynecologists usually recommend making dietary and lifestyle changes.
- However, if the case of gout is severe (or the condition persists after delivery), your doctor will advise you to take targeted medications.
- Never taking a medicine without first consulting your gynecologist.
Step 2. Consider colchicine
Usually sold in tablet form, it is one of the first treatments prescribed for acute episodes. It is very effective in treating gout, but so far there have not been enough studies to confirm its safety in pregnancy.
Discuss the potential risks and potential benefits of this medicine with your gynecologist
Step 3. Opt for corticosteroids, such as prednisone
They are generally considered a secondary option to NSAIDs and / or colchicine. They can be taken in tablet form or injected directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation. This solution is often the most suitable for pregnant women, as a local injection is less risky for the fetus.
Step 4. Consider allopurinol, which helps prevent relapse
Its function is to directly decrease uric acid levels, thus treating and preventing further manifestations of gout. You can consider taking this medicine following recovery from an acute episode to reduce the chances of it coming back in the future.
