Postpartum Swelling – Causes And Remedies

During pregnancy, the blood volume increase by 50 % in order to protect and nourish the pregnant woman and her unborn baby. This leads to fluid accumulation due to low concentration of proteins in the body as well as dilution of blood. Post-delivery, not all of the extra blood leaves the body. So all the factors like the extra blood, changes in hormones and retention of fluid together can make your hands, legs and feet to swell up post-pregnancy. This is known as postpartum edema.

What Are The Symptoms Of Postpartum Edema?

The severity of the symptoms of postpartum swelling can vary with each new mother (ranging from mild to extreme). The symptoms of postpartum swelling include:

1. The tissue, specifically under the skin appears puffed or swollen
2. The skin of the extremities can appear stretched, puffy or shiny
3. The skin can hold a dimple if you push on it for a few seconds
4. The swelling can also appear in the area of the scar of the C-section or where the episiotomy was done
5. More often the swelling is found to concentrate in the feet and hands. Sometimes it can appear on the legs, ankle or even abdomen

What Causes Postpartum Swelling?

Postpartum swelling is partially due to physiological changes that happen in the course of pregnancy (mainly because of water retention) and partially due to the delivery process itself.

Some of the reasons behind postpartum swelling are:

1. Influence Of Intravenous Fluids

The IV fluids taken in the course of delivery can trigger postpartum swelling. During a C-section, the anesthesia or other medicines are usually received by the mother through the IV. And at times, during vaginal birth also medications are induced through IV. These excess fluids that get into the body of the mother will take some time to eliminate from the body, resulting in postpartum swelling.

2. Body Changes That Happen In The Course of Pregnancy

Hormonal fluctuation that takes place after delivery can trigger postpartum swelling. The body produces higher-than-ordinary levels of the hormone progesterone amid pregnancy. Progesterone makes the body hold both sodium and water, resulting the body to retain more water.
In the course of pregnancy, the growing uterus presses against the veins (mostly) going towards the legs, limiting blood flow towards the legs and feet. It can also squeeze the blood vessels going to the hands, abdomen or even back of the body. Anyway, the capillaries in that area start to leak the fluid which accumulates in the surrounding tissue thus giving rise to swelling. All the liquid which develops over the nine months of pregnancy doesn’t leave all at once after the delivery. This results in postpartum swelling.

3. The delivery Process

Besides the above reasons, the procedure of pushing the baby which is fundamental for a vaginal birth will send more quantities of blood and fluids into the extremities. This can bring about swelling in hands, feet, legs or even the face.

When Will The Postpartum Swelling Disappear?

We all know that the blood volume increases in the course of pregnancy. Around 50% more blood is produced during pregnancy. Obviously, all this extra blood and the fluids produced by the body will not leave the body all at once during or after delivery. It will take a little more time for the body to eliminate the extra fluid from its system.

Usually, postpartum swelling resolves itself and disappears within a week after delivery. The kidneys play a major role in resolving the postpartum swelling in a week as they actively eliminate the excess fluid by increasing the frequency of urination. In addition to this, after delivery, the body of the new mother sweats more so that the extra liquids will be discharged through the pores as sweat.

Is Postpartum Swelling Ever Serious?

Postpartum swelling is normally nothing to be worried about, and will go away on its own within a week. However, it is better to consult your doctor if:

• The swelling is not showing any signs of going away even after a week.
• If your legs are paining or in case you are experiencing awful headaches. These can be an indication of high blood pressure.
• Seek immediate medical attention if the swelling appears in only one leg or ankle, especially if accompanied with severe pain, as it can be an indication of a significant issue – ‘deep vein thrombosis'(blood clot in blood vessels).

12 Remedies That Help To Eliminate Postpartum Edema

Here are some remedies which will help in eliminating postpartum edema. But here is a word of caution. Before trying out any of these remedies, consult your doctor to make sure that the swelling is due to postpartum edema only and not because of any underlying issue. Once your doctor ensures that swelling in your feet and body is not so serious then you can actually try out the following ways to get relief from postpartum edema:

1. Elevate the swollen parts

Elevating the swollen hands and legs above the level of your heart for some time will help to reduce the swelling and the discomfort caused due to edema. You can use a stool or pillows to elevate the area that is affected by edema. Keep the hands and legs in elevated posture for 30 minutes three or four times a day

2. Get moving:

If you happen to sit or stand still for a really long time, edema has a tendency to aggravate, because the fluids remain stagnant in your body’s tissues. Therefore, do not sit or stand for a long time

3. Massage:

Massaging the swollen leg and feet will help reduce the swelling and eliminate postpartum edema. It flushes out excess fluid buildup and is great for circulation

4. Take in more fluid:

Yes, you read it right. Fluid retention decreases with increasing the intake of fluid. This is because the intake of more fluids helps in flushing out excess fluid from the body, thereby reducing the swelling. Make sure you drink lots of water and flush it out more often

5. Healthy diet:

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods can help reduce swelling. Eating foods rich in B-vitamins and iron can ease edema. Therefore, eat green leafy veggies and whole grains. Also, include foods that act as natural diuretics like pumpkin, asparagus and beets in your daily diet. This will help to flush out excess fluids

6. Cabbage:

Placing cabbage leaves in the swollen area helps to drain out the extra fluid from that area and provide relief. For this, simply wipe the leaves clean without any water and first cool them in the refrigerator. Now, keep these chilled leaves on the swollen area, to make a cold compress. Keep the leaves until they get wet. Replace the wet leaves with fresh, chilled leaves till the pain becomes less. You can do this as often as required until you get relief

7. Avoid processed food/ salty food:

Eating a lot of salt causes your body to hold water, aggravating edema. So avoid salty foods like prepackaged snacks, fried food and fast food. With the help of your doctor find out your daily intake of sodium and avoid eating food that are rich in sodium

8. Ensure proper ventilation:

Ensure the room you spend most time in has proper ventilation. Ensuring proper air flow will prevent the edema from aggravating. Likewise, do not wear tight outfits

9. Exercise:

Doing some light exercises increases circulation, helping the swelling to subside.

• Going for a short walk, several times a day will help with blood circulation. A 15 to 30 minutes fast strolling can also help the swelling go down
• Foot exercises will help you to bring down swelling in the ankles. For this;
• Bend and stretch the foot up and down 30 times
• Move each foot in circular motion eight times clockwise and eight times anti-clockwise

10. Soaking the feet:

If your feet are excessively swollen, massaging increases the pain and discomfort. Then soak the feet in a bowl of warm water. You can add a combination of aromatherapy oils. You can mix cypress oil with lavender oil, which helps with better blood circulation and reduce discomfort

11. Herbal Remedies for Edema During Pregnancy:

It has been proved that herbs or herbal extracts containing flavonoids can help reduce the swelling. However, as you are a nursing mother, consult your doctor before going for herbal remedies. You can also add any of the diuretic herbs like parsley, horsetail, watercress, etc., to boiling water and prepare tea. But remember, moderation is the key here

12. Take plenty of rest:

Take plenty of rest. Never do things that require physical exertion. Try to get good sleep whenever the baby takes a nap. While taking rest remember, never sit or cross your legs as it will block or slow down the blood flow. If edema is severe, the pain and swelling will increase if you walk more.

If your edema does not subside even after lifestyle changes mentioned above, consult your doctor. He can prescribe a diuretic which will help to flush the fluid from your body.

As a precautionary measures, avoid wearing tight clothes that may restrict the blood flow to any part of the body. You can wear supportive socks to relieve discomfort.