There are many benefits for a strong water bag. The risk of infection for mother and baby remains low, the amniotic fluid insulates the umbilical cord, and the baby is better able to navigate the pelvis. Here is an evidence based prescription for you to follow to grow a strong water bag!
The chorioamniotic membrane, fondly known as the water bag, is made of the connective tissue, collagen.
Nutrition for a strong water bag
Nutrition is the best known way to build and protect collagen. Eating a daily diet high in vitamin C, lysine, proline and phytonutrients will give you a strong water bag that is more likely to stay intact through labor.
Vitamin C is necessary to build collagen and to prevent damage from free radicals.
Studies show that consuming Vitamin C 100mg daily decreases the rate of premature rupture of membranes from 24% to 7% of pregnancies.
Prenatal vitamins contain approximately 70 mg of vitamin C that contribute to building a strong water bag.
The best and safest way to consume additional Vitamin C is through dietary sources. Foods such as bell peppers, oranges, strawberries, broccoli and papaya are all high in Vitamin C.
Amino acids, lysine and proline, found in animal proteins and egg whites contribute to the formation of healthy collagen. A plant based source for both of these amino acids is wheat germ.
Phytonutrients in berries, dark colored fruit and green tea protect collagen from breakdown.
Our prescription for a strong water bag is a diet high in Vitamin C (strawberries, oranges, broccoli, papaya, bell peppers), lysine and proline (animal protein, egg whites, wheat germ) and phytonutrients (blueberries, raspberries, cherries, cranberries, green tea).