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NOTE: Opinions and advice provided on this website are based on the personal experience of the author, Stacy Quarty. Ms. Quarty in no way claims to be a professional source of medical, psychological or statistical information.

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Q. I am suffering from bad edema, and I cannot remove my wedding ring. Is it safe to take ONE diuretic pill to allow me to get it off? I am at 23 weeks, everything is normal (blood pressure, baby, weight) and I am 35 years old. I just don't want to cut my ring off if I can get it off with the swelling.
-Deborah, Illinois

A. Most medications, including diuretics, are not recommended during pregnancy because of the possible risk to the fetus. Although taking just one may be okay, I recommend trying some natural alternatives before considering it.

You may try getting your ring off during the time of day when you have the least swelling. For some women it's first thing in the morning. For others, it's right before bed. Before attempting the removal of your ring, try keeping your hand elevated above your head for an hour or so. Then soak your hand in a dish of ice water for a few minutes. After your hand is slightly numb, dry it off and lubricate your finger well with dishwashing liquid or vegetable oil. If after several good yanks it does not come off, stop. The more you irritate your finger, the more it will swell. If this doesn't work, you may want to throw caffeine into this formula. Caffeine found in coffee, tea and chocolate is a natural diuretic and may temporarily help reduce swelling. If this still doesn't work, you may want to visit your jeweler.