How long does postpartum leg swelling last?
Postpartum edema should go away in about a week. (It may last a few days longer if you had preeclampsia, or pregnancy-related high blood pressure, that caused excessive swelling of your feet and hands in late pregnancy.)
When should I be worried about postpartum swelling?
Most postpartum swelling is normal and will go away on its own. But sometimes swelling that happens in the days after delivery may indicate an underlying condition that warrants a call to the doctor. Call your practitioner if: You notice swelling that comes on suddenly.
Is leg swelling normal postpartum?
After giving birth, many women notice swelling or puffiness in the skin, especially in the legs and face. This is called postpartum swelling. During pregnancy, the body retains extra water to support the baby, and this water is gradually released through sweating and urination.
Why are my legs swollen after C section?
Swelling after C-section — also known as edema — is caused by extra fluid in tissues. This can lead to swelling on the face, ankles, hands, and feet or around the incision area. Intravenous (IV) fluid can also provoke swelling after a cesarean delivery.
How can I reduce swelling in my legs after pregnancy?
What you can do to help bring the swelling down:
- Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, avocados, and spinach.
- Reduce your caffeine intake — caffeine makes your body retain water and increases swelling.
- Keep your feet elevated.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Wear compression socks.
- Drink water.
How do I reduce swelling in my legs?
Some tips that may help reduce swelling:
- Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
- Exercise your legs.
- Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
- Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).
Do your hips stay wider after pregnancy?
Some of your post-pregnancy body changes are permanent. Other long-term post-baby body changes: Your hips may be forever slightly widened too, after having expanded for childbirth, and your nipples may be darker and bigger as well.
How do you get rid of swollen feet and legs?
Here are some natural remedies to reduce swelling:
- Soak your feet in cool water.
- drink plenty of water.
- Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe and move freely.
- Rest with your legs elevated.
- Wear support stockings.
- Do a few minutes of walking and simple leg exercises.
What causes swelling in the feet and legs during pregnancy?
Swelling is common at this time because the body retains extra fluid to protect and support the growing fetus. Swelling in the feet usually happens later in pregnancy, when the weight of the uterus and fetus puts extra pressure on the legs and feet. This pressure can reduce circulation and increase fluid buildup, which causes swelling.
Can the swollen leg get back to normal?
Swimming , or even just floating, in water can really help to relieve those swollen legs. The pressure from the water gets the circulation moving, but it also gives your body a break from the constant pull of gravity. If you don’t have access to a pool, check out local gymnasiums or swimming classes to see if there are rental hours available.
What is the best treatment for swollen legs?
The best treatments for leg pain and swelling depend on their cause. Common treatments, however, include pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications. Pain and swelling can be caused by injury, standing for prolong periods of time, and poor circulation.
Are swollen glands dangerous during pregnancy?
Swollen lymph nodes are typically a sign of infection, from a simple cold to something potentially more dangerous, such as chicken pox . It’s this range of possibility that can be especially nerve-wracking when you have swollen lymph nodes while pregnant.