Importance of Sodium

• Sodium, which is found naturally in many foods, helps your body regulate fluid levels. While pregnant, a woman may find that the she needs more sodium than usual, due to a higher sodium metabolism. Most women can get sodium from natural foods, and there is rarely any reason to add extra salt or sodium to food. However, when sodium spikes, it can cause your body to retain too much fluid, resulting in swelling and high blood pressure. This sometimes occurs later in pregnancy and is reason to induce labor, as high blood pressure is dangerous for both mother and baby.
  
  

Doctor Recommended

• If your obstetrician recommended a low-sodium diet, you may be confused as to what this means. Ask your doctor what he considers "low sodium." Most often, a low-sodium diet consists of less than 1,200 mg of sodium per day. Be aware of the foods that you eat. Prepackaged or canned foods often contain more sodium for preservation purposes. Read the nutritional information on the packaging to see how much sodium is in the foods that you eat regularly.
  
  

Low-Sodium Recipes

• Making your own food means that you know exactly what goes into it. This also means that eating fresh foods seasoned with other herbs and spices can cut down on your sodium. Try a few new recipes that don't resort to adding sodium for flavor. These recipes rely on ingredients and seasoning that pack a punch without raising your blood pressure. Try grilled chicken that is seasoned with a no-sodium seasoning. Rub the chicken with unsalted butter and sprinkle on your favorite seasoning, then grill until the juices run clear. You prepare corn on the cob with parsley, dill and rosemary instead of salt. Look for low-sodium snacks at your favorite grocery store.