Postpartum Swelling – 5 Causes & 8 Treatments You Should Be Aware Of
Pregnancy changes your body. As it adjusts to the growing baby, the body shifts its balance and shape.
But once you give birth, you hope things will go back to normal. Well, you are in for a surprise! Your body will never be the same again. You may lose all the pregnancy weight, but your body is now fundamentally different.
And if you end up with postpartum swelling, things may get a little more complicated.
What Is Postpartum Swelling?
Most women associate swelling with pregnancy. But not many are aware that postpartum swelling is also a possibility. Though temporary, postpartum swelling (edema) can mar your post-birth experience. This is the time to bond with your newborn. But how can you concentrate on your baby when your body is all bloated?
During pregnancy, a woman’s body makes 50% more blood to help her baby grow. During childbirth, a large portion of this blood leaves the body. But not all of it! This extra blood and fluid buildup due to hormonal changes causes postpartum swelling in many women.
The swelling largely affects the limbs, but many women also report swelling in the C-section and episiotomy incision sites.
[ Read: Constipation After Delivery ]
Causes Of Postpartum Swelling:
If you are wondering why swelling in legs and feet after delivery, read on:
1. The most common cause for postpartum swelling is hormonal. The body produces a large amount of progesterone during pregnancy. This excess progesterone causes water and sodium retention in the body, which leads to postpartum swelling.
2. Another cause for postpartum swelling is your expanding uterus. Your growing uterus restricts blood flow to the lower part of the body. This can also lead to fluid build-up and postpartum edema.
3. A vaginal birth can also contribute towards postpartum swelling. As you push to give birth, your body sends extra blood towards the hands and feet, which causes swelling.
4. IV fluids are also a big cause for postpartum swelling. Most women get IV fluids during childbirth – both vaginal and C-section. This extra fluid tends to accumulate in the body and cause localized edema.
[ Read: Sweating After Pregnancy ]
Risk Factors:
Postpartum edema is more of a nuisance than anything sinister. In the majority of cases, postpartum swelling disappears within a week post childbirth. But there are times when your swollen body may indicate something more dangerous. Here are a few risk factors you should know about:
1. Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM):
A rare, life-threatening heart disease, PPCM comes suddenly and can be fatal. One of the major symptoms of PPCM is postpartum edema. Other symptoms include (1) :
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Increased urination at night
[ Read: Postpartum Urinary Incontinence ]
2. Postpartum Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is more common during pregnancy. But it can happen after childbirth too. Postpartum preeclampsia can strike as soon as you give birth, or it can develop four to six weeks post birth. Symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia includes (2) :
- Swelling in the extremities
- High blood pressure
- Excess protein in the urine
- Severe headaches
- Changes in vision
- Upper abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Decreased urination
3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
DVT can cause death within hours. If you notice the following symptoms, consult your doctor (3) :
- Swelling in one or both legs
- Pain or tenderness in one or both legs
- Red skin in the affected leg
- Visible veins
- Leg fatigue
All these conditions are serious and require urgent medical care. So, if you do have postpartum swelling, check for other symptoms to rule out these life-threatening causes.
[ Read: Postpartum Fatigue ]
Postpartum Edema Treatment:
Once you make sure that the swelling in your body is nothing serious, you can look for ways to find relief. Here are a few tips you can use to treat postpartum edema:
1. Eat A Healthy Diet:
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential after childbirth. Healthy food will help flush out the extra fluid quickly and provide relief from the swelling.
[ Read: Postpartum Edema ]
2. Stay Off Processed Food:
Processed food can make the swelling worse. This is because most of these packaged foods contain sodium, which can bloat up your body.
3. Pump In The Fluids:
Drinking more fluids when your body is already overflowing with it? Yes, that’s exactly what you should do! Drink as much water as you can, and then drink some more. The extra fluids will signal your body to flush out some fluid. This will ease the swelling afflicting you.
4. Workout:
Light exercising can also help relieve postpartum swelling. And you don’t even need to head to the gym! Taking care of your newborn is exercise enough.
5. Elevate:
If you have swelling in legs after pregnancy, try elevating them. Put your feet up high, above the level of your heart. This will improve circulation and ease the swelling.
6. Be Comfortable:
Avoid wearing tight clothes and accessories.
[ Read: Six-Week Postpartum Checkup ]
7. Take A Bath:
A relaxing bath can do wonders for your achy body. Just make sure to get the go-ahead from your doctor first.
8. Apply Ice Packs:
The biggest problem with postpartum edema is the pain and swelling at the incision sites. You can use ice packs around these areas to find relief.
Most cases of postpartum swelling go away soon after childbirth. Yes, it can cause discomfort and pain, but that is temporary. If you have help at hand, dealing with postpartum edema won’t be a battle. If you don’t, ask for it. Call over a relative or friend to help you out till you are feeling better.
Are you dealing with postpartum swelling right now? How are you managing? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
