Postpartum Swelling
Postpartum oedema is a common disorder following childbirth that is characterised by skin puffiness and swelling throughout the body. You might feel it in your legs, ankles, feet, hands, face, breasts, or anywhere else on your body.Most postpartum oedema is caused by extra fluids that accumulate during pregnancy. According to Dr. Rani Koppula, DGO at MS General Surgery, Gleneagles Hospitals, a woman's body generates 50% more blood and fluids during pregnancy to fulfil the needs of her growing baby. Although you have given birth, it may take some time for the fluid to leave your body and the swelling to subside.
Swelling is typically at its worst in the first week after giving birth. In most situations, it disappears after a few days or weeks as the body eliminates excess fluids, but everyone is different, and some people may have it for longer.
Postpartum oedema can impact everyone, regardless of the type of delivery they had. So, if you have swollen feet or a puffy face after giving birth, don't panic; it will go away gradually over the next few weeks.
Types of Postpartum Swelling
In addition to swelling in your hands, feet, face, and legs caused by fluid buildup, you may suffer various types of postpartum oedema. This includes:- Swelling in the perineal region: Even if you did not require stitches, your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) may be swollen, uncomfortable, and bruised following a vaginal delivery. That means it may be difficult to sit down during the first several days or weeks following giving birth. Sitting on a cushion and changing positions regularly will help reduce pressure. You may also wish to use cold packs to soothe the pain, and if resting on your side is difficult, inserting a cushion between your knees can lower the amount of pressure between your legs.
- Breast enlargement: Your breasts may expand a few days after birth or when they become extremely full after the milk flow has been established, causing them to feel tight and sensitive. The best strategy to reduce swelling and pain is to breastfeed or pump milk as frequently as possible. Wearing a supportive bra, applying a warm compress before feeding and a cold pack after, and massaging your breasts can all help drain the milk ducts appropriately.
- Haemorrhoids: Haemorrhoids (commonly known as piles) are bulging veins in the anus and lower rectum that can develop during pregnancy or childbirth. They can be uncomfortable, itchy, and bleed after bowel movements. Soak in warm water baths (such as a sitz bath), apply haemorrhoid creams and ointments (but ask your doctor before taking any medications if you're breastfeeding), and apply witch hazel to alleviate pain. Drinking enough water, and eating fibre-rich foods, will help soften your stools. Sitting down for lengthy periods can also create strain on your haemorrhoids, so try to avoid sitting for too long if possible (for example, lie down to nurse) - and when you do sit down, use a cushion or foam doughnut to ease the pressure.
- Postpartum oedema: Postpartum oedema, often known as fluid retention after childbirth, is one of the most prevalent causes of postpartum swelling. The signs of postpartum oedema are:
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, and hands
- Your face is puffy
- Stretched or glossy skin
- Rapid weight gain following childbirth
This type of swelling usually lasts no more than a week, but it can be uncomfortable. Elevating your legs and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting might help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
- Deep venous thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, typically in the calf or thigh. Some symptoms of DVT are:
- Swelling in one leg or part of it
- Pain or soreness in one leg
- Warm skin near the hurting spot
- Swollen veins that hurt to touch
Deep vein thrombosis can be serious, so seek medical assistance if you suspect you have this problem.
Signs Of Postpartum Swelling
Postpartum oedema primarily affects the legs, feet, ankles, and face. Some new mothers may experience swelling in their hands and arms. If you are particularly bloated, your skin may appear stretched or glossy.Causes of Postpartum Swelling
The puffy postpartum look you're wearing is due to one (or more) of the following reasons:- Leftover pregnancy fluids that have accumulated over the last nine months. Moms who develop swelling (oedema) during pregnancy may be retaining more fluid
- You received more fluid during labour. If you had an epidural during labour, you were given IV fluids to prevent your blood pressure from dropping. If you had a C-section, you needed intravenous fluids to get through the procedure. That additional fluid doesn't go away immediately!
- The pushing you did during labour may have caused extra pregnancy fluid to flow to your extremities and face.
- The fact that you aren't moving around much after birth (especially if you had a C-section) makes it more difficult for your body to eliminate fluid.
- During pregnancy, your progesterone levels surged. One of the side effects of increased progesterone is increased water retention, which causes swelling throughout pregnancy and continues after delivery.
Treatment of Postpartum Swelling
- Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water to reduce puffiness. It may seem contradictory to add water to your body while trying to shed water weight, yet dehydration can lead the body to retain excess fluids. Drinking more will also keep your kidneys working optimally to eliminate waste (including excess fluids).
- Move Around: Move around as much as possible without going overboard. This is especially critical after a C-section, but it's also good advice for vaginal deliveries. Being active keeps fluids and blood from accumulating in your legs and helps the body wash them out.
- Don't stand or sit for too long: Both might cause fluid and blood to accumulate in your legs. Moving more allows your blood to flow freely throughout your body.
- Elevate your legs when in bed: This helps to transfer fluid from your lower extremities back into your body, where it may be eliminated by your kidneys and sweat glands. Move your ankles in circular motions, 10 times each anticlockwise and clockwise. Massage them too, as long as it does not cause pain. This helps to prevent fluid retention in your feet.
- Consider compression stockings: they improve blood flow in your legs, allowing fluids to migrate upwards from your legs to your kidneys, where they will be expelled. If your hands and fingers are bloated, raise them above your head whenever possible to allow fluids to flow from your extremities to the rest of your body and be flushed out.
- Quantity of Sodium: Reduce the quantity of sodium in your diet, as too much sodium (called salt) can exacerbate swelling.
- Keep your cool by dressing light: Keep cool by dressing light and, depending on the weather, opening windows or utilising an air conditioner or fan to prevent overheating. Heat can exacerbate oedema. Using cold compresses might also help you stay cool and reduce swelling.
When to See Doctor?
Most postpartum swelling is normal and will subside on its own. It may even intensify for a day or two after delivery before gradually improving.However, swelling in the days following delivery may signal an underlying issue warranting a visit to the doctor. Contact your practitioner if:
- You see swelling that develops suddenly
- You are experiencing leg pain or irritation and swelling
- One leg is more swollen than the other, and/or one leg has redness, cramps, and heightened temperature in addition to oedema
- You observe swelling and other symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia such as severe headaches, vomiting, impaired vision, or light sensitivity.
- You get chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Your C-section scar is enlarged and causing increasing discomfort, bleeding, or unpleasant discharge or fluid
The good news is that postpartum swelling usually resolves quickly. Expect it to go away about the time your newborn turns one week old.
FAQs on What to Do About Postpartum Swelling?
- How long does it take for swelling to subside after birth?
Swelling is typically at its worst in the first week after giving birth. In most situations, it resolves after a few days or weeks as the body gets rid of excess fluids. However, everyone is different, and it may linger longer for some people. - What should I drink to lessen oedema in my feet?
Drink the recommended 8-12 glasses of water every day to help flush your system of extra salt and other toxins that can contribute to oedema. Having a water bottle with you at all times makes it easy to drink more!
