In this article:
Understanding why swelling happens and what you can do about it allows you to focus on resting and enjoying time with your new baby!
Causes of Postpartum Swelling
Your body goes through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth, and all of that can lead to swelling after your baby arrives.Here’s what causes it:
- Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, your body produces more progesterone. This hormone helps your baby grow, but also causes your body to hold onto water and sodium.
- Extra blood and fluid production: Your body produces about 50 per cent more blood and fluid to support your baby and placenta. Some of this extra fluid stays in your tissues after delivery, which can make your hands, feet, or face look and feel puffy.
- Expanding uterus: As your uterus expands, it can put pressure on the veins leading to your legs. This slows down blood flow and causes fluid to gather in your lower legs, making them look swollen.
- Delivery process: The intense pushing during vaginal delivery can push extra fluid into your hands, feet, or face. This is completely natural and can make swelling more noticeable after birth.
- IV fluids: You probably got IV fluids to stay hydrated if you had a C-section or received medications during a vaginal delivery. These fluids can build up in your body, contributing to swelling.
- Low protein levels (hypoproteinemia) or anaemia: Some people have lower protein levels or fewer red blood cells (anaemia) after giving birth. When this happens, your body struggles to manage fluids properly and leads to swelling.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Conditions like chronic hypertension, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or kidney issues can cause your body to retain fluid. This can make swelling worse after childbirth.
- Hot weather or prolonged activity: Being on your feet all day or spending time in hot, humid weather can make your body hold on to extra fluid.
Types of Postpartum Swelling
These are the main types of postpartum swelling:- Breast engorgement: A few days after delivery, your breasts may swell and feel tender as they produce milk.
- Water retention (oedema): This is the most common kind of swelling. Extra fluid can collect in your face, hands, feet, or legs because of hormonal changes or fluid retention from pregnancy.
- Swelling from haemorrhoids: Pushing during delivery can lead to swollen veins in your anus or lower rectum, called haemorrhoids.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This is a rare but serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It causes swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in one leg.
Treatment Options to Reduce Postpartum Swelling
There are plenty of natural ways to ease postpartum swelling and feel more comfortable. These methods help improve circulation, flush out extra fluids, and support your body as it recovers. Remember to always check with your doctor before trying anything new.These are some of the tips you can try:
- Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water actually helps your body flush out extra fluid. So try to sip water throughout the day.
- Elevate your feet and hands: Raise your feet or hands above heart level for 20 to 30 minutes a day. This helps fluid flow back toward your body and reduces swelling.
- Do light exercise: Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or postnatal yoga can get your blood moving and prevent fluid from pooling.
- Choose loose clothing: Tight clothes or accessories around your wrists or ankles can restrict blood flow and worsen swelling. Pick comfortable, loose outfits to give your body room to breathe.
- Cut down on salt: Too much sodium makes your body hold onto water. Try to avoid foods like chips, packaged meals, and soft drinks that are high in salt.
- Eat potassium-rich foods: Potassium helps balance sodium levels and reduces fluid retention. Include bananas, papaya, spinach, bottle gourd, lentils, yoghurt, or sweet potatoes in your diet.
- Limit caffeine: Reduce tea, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks that can dehydrate you. Drink herbal teas like ginger, tulsi, or chamomile for hydration instead.
- Soak your feet: Warm water with a pinch of salt or a few drops of coconut oil can ease swelling and relax your feet.
- Apply cold compress: A clean cold cloth on swollen areas like your legs or breasts can help reduce discomfort, especially for breast engorgement.
Postpartum swelling is completely normal. Your body is just getting rid of the extra fluid it held during pregnancy, and it takes a little time to settle down. Small steps like drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, and keeping your feet elevated can really help during this time.
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FAQs on Causes and Treatment Options for Postpartum Swelling
- Can postpartum swelling be a sign of something serious?
Yes, in rare cases it may point to issues like preeclampsia or a blood clot, so it’s best to get checked if swelling is sudden or severe. - Can postpartum swelling cause tingling or numbness?
Yes, if swelling presses on nerves you may feel tingling in your hands or feet.