21 week appointment - scared straight!

So I gained 8 lbs in the last month.  Not so good.  I have also started getting some swelling and leg cramps at night.  Not pleasant, but normal, or so I thought.

My midwife had the following to offer: 

• Leg cramps can be a sign of calcium deficiency, especially combined with the little bit of muscle twitching I have had that I didn't think was a big deal.  I drink plenty of milk, but apparently some people don't absorb calcium well from dairy.  She recommended getting calcium from a variety of sources: leafy dark greens (spinach, kale, collards), other veggies like broccoli and brussels sprouts, and foods like almonds and white beans.  She recommended not relying on just one of these foods, either - there goes my idea for a daily spinach salad!

• For the swelling she recommends nettles, and more than I get from the tea mix.  She said that I can take a supplement and a large dose won't hurt me or the baby.  I am already walking and swimming so that part is covered!  She also recommended nightly foot massages, which I am all for...She also mentioned a chiropractic adjustment may relieve this issue, which is something I had not considered. 

• She also noted that pre-eclampsia is usually a result of poor nutrition and hydration.  If that's not motivation to drink my water, I don't know what is!

So, bottom line is I need to drink my water, eat my veggies, and take care of myself.  Hopefully that will slow down the weight gain as well as solve some of these other issues.