Epsom Salts for swelling- yay, but will it stop labor too?

NolaJayne · May 2010

I have been told this is okay to use, but hadn't had any swelling.

Suddenly I do pretty badly. I know it;s a sign of preeclampsia and all, but want to try to reduce it on my own first. I've taken the other measures- left-side sleeping, drinking plenty water, avoiding salt, walking, etc.

So I was going to take this epsom salt bath, since I know it's mag sulfate, which is used to treat preeclamsia IV'ly, and I know it does reduce swelling, but...

I'm full term and SO READY. I also know that Mag Sulfate is used to stop preterm labor and that the bath can "calm irritable uterus..."

Sooo, now I'm not so sure. I have been having some rly good contractions and cramping (yes, I am begging for the pain, bc that means it's time!!!). I want to get rid of this awful, painful swelling, but I don't want to interfere with possible onset of labor...

Anyone have any experience with this?

am369 · May 2010

I have no idea the answer to your question. But I've had swelling for a few weeks now that doesn't go down at ALL on my right side. I've had all the tests, pre-E, PIH, and a doppler for blood clots. All are normal. So sudden swelling that doesn't go down is not always a problem. Mine just came on one day and never went away. It could just be the heat and being full term.

kimmyt09 · May 2010

My feet swell with the heat- I mentioned my "fat feet" to my OB and he basically laughed at me and told me to get used to it. I guess because my blood pressure has been perfect he wasn't worried about some swollen feet. I'm happy to read the salt baths are ok, I've been wondering if I can soak my feet in a little tub of it! Hope you go into labor soon, good luck!

mommyrenee · May 2010

i really wouldnt worry about it either way. contractions/cramping now doesnt mean you'll go soon & if they stop, it doesnt mean you wont go soon. you'll go into labor when your body/baby is ready.

if you think the epsoms will help with the swelling - go for it. i was very badly swollen last time & nothing worked. i just took advantage of the hubby's foot rubs.

FutureMrsMuller · May 2010

I took an epsom salt bath to help relieve swelling from my hemmies and all it did was give me diarrhea for 2 days... its not mag sulfate in them.. its mag citrate (the same stuff you have to drink before a colonoscopy. Just so you're warned... but labor and diarrhea at the same time doesn't sound fun to me.

NolaJayne · June 2010

Thanks for all responses ladies.

It is actually Magnesium Sulfate. It does work as a laxative when ingested, but in a bath it reduces swelling by drawing fluids from the body- higher concentration of sodium outside of the body pulls fluids out. Diffusion or osmosis or something like that I learned last semester.

I take Epsom Salt baths from time to time, and normally, if I weren't this close to my Due Date, I wouldn't have wondered...I am so ready to have this baby that I didn't want to risk stopping any labor...

But I ended up deciding it was worth a try to possibly prevent damage done by toxemia or a trip to the hospital or possible medical intervention/induction (which as badly as I want to have this baby I do not want), and taking two baths in the last 24 hours.

It did reduce (not eliminate) swelling, and did not stop cx, fortunately! My legs looked like Schwarzeneggers- completely unrecognizable! My ankles were gone all of a sudden, my hands were hurting from just trying to bend my fingers....

I think I've reduced it enough to wait for my appointment to worry if I've developed PE.

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Epsom Salts for swelling- yay, but will it stop labor too?

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