Postpartum edema, or postpartum swelling, is caused by an excess amount of fluid remaining in the body tissue after childbirth. Swollen extremities (hands, feet, and ankles) and weight gain are the main symptoms of edema. Swelling can lead to the skin looking stretched and inflamed, and will sometimes cause the outer layer of the skin to look puffy or shiny.
Mild edema is extremely common – most women experience some level of swelling after giving birth. The body naturally prepares for childbirth by retaining water to help body tissue adapt to the baby’s growth and naturally eliminates this fluid post-childbirth.
Pregnancy Swelling
Edema is still somewhat of a mystery but is generally attributed to changing estrogen and progesterone levels. Edema often arises during pregnancy as the growing baby and expanding uterus put pressure on the vena cava vein running down the right side of the body. This causes blood flow to slow and excess fluid to leak into the tissue of the ankles and feet.
IV fluids administered during childbirth can cause swelling as well – this is seen more frequently with moms who have a c-section and receive medication through an IV, or moms who receive Pitocin during labor. We also see this more often with moms who have twins.
Symptoms of edema are often exacerbated on hot summer days and during the evening hours after mom has been standing for long periods of time.
Symptoms usually recede the week after childbirth as the kidneys begin to process and eliminate excess fluids. That said, many women experience swelling several weeks after the arrival of their baby. You can reduce edema through diet, exercises, swimming, and special medical-grade garments like compression stockings.
How Long Does Postpartum Edema Last?
The postpartum swelling in your legs, feet, and hands will naturally go down within the first week after pregnancy. During this time, the body is flushing excess water from the tissue in the swollen regions. This process takes a different amount of time for everyone but can be sped up by eating healthy foods, staying hydrated, and allowing the body to rest and recover.
When is Postpartum Edema a Problem?
You should only worry when you begin to experience symptoms beyond mild to moderate swelling and/or pain and discomfort. Intense pain in the legs or frequent headaches can be a sign of high blood pressure, which needs to be evaluated by a physician. If the swelling is located in just one area or is only on one side of the body, this can be a sign of a blood clot which is a medical emergency.
Severe edema is a dangerous condition and can be associated with a life-threatening condition called preeclampsia. Signs of preeclampsia include facial swelling, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, migraines, and fast-paced weight gain (more than 4 pounds a week). If you experience these symptoms, you should consult your doctor and seek treatment options. Fortunately, in almost all cases, postpartum swelling is nothing to worry about and is merely an inconvenience for new moms.
Can I Take Water Pills?
Any prescription water pill (diuretic) is strongly discouraged during pregnancy. After pregnancy, a diuretic can help alleviate symptoms, but this is best achieved through drinking a lot of water and eating foods that are natural diuretics like cucumbers and lemons. Dandelion tea has been known to prevent fluid retention as well.
8 Ways to Treat Postpartum Swelling
Relax, relax, relax! Post-pregnancy edema is normal and will go away. Keeping a healthy diet, resting, and staying hydrated are the best things you can do to keep swelling down.
- Eat healthy foods. Snack on foods rich in protein, complex carbs, fruits and veggies, and foods rich in potassium, such as bananas and sweet potatoes. Onion and garlic can also improve circulation. Avoid high sodium and junk foods at all costs!
- Add certain nutrients to your diet. Broccoli, tomatoes, and strawberries provide vitamin C. Almonds, wheat germ and sunflower seeds give an extra boost of vitamin E.
- Drink up! It seems contradictory, but drinking lots of water will signal your body to flush out the retained fluids. Along with this, make sure you urinate often to keep the fluids from remaining any longer than necessary. Add lemons, apples, citrus fruits, or cucumbers to your water for an extra boost, as they are all-natural diuretics.
- Sit down. Avoid standing for a long time and make sure to rest. Don’t cross your legs while sitting; this reduces circulation. Elevate your legs above your heart for periods of 20 minutes throughout the day to improve your circulation and lessen swelling.
- Get a massage. This is a perfect time to request a massage from your partner. If you aren’t experiencing much pain, have your partner massage your legs and feet gently.
- Acupuncture treatment. This can rebalance internal energy and improve circulation.
- Stay cool. Keep your body temperature at a steady level and avoid getting too hot. Heat can worsen swelling.
- Compression garments save the day. Compression socks are a lifesaver for mothers experiencing postpartum swelling in their lower body. For best results, put the stockings on first thing in the morning. Also, postpartum compression garments provide gentle compression to reduce swelling elsewhere.
Compression Socks for Pregnancy & Postpartum
Compression socks are an awesome solution for postpartum edema by reducing extremity swelling. They can do wonders for women who experience painful swelling in their lower legs and ankles both during and after pregnancy. Compression stockings also provide relief to those suffering from varicose veins as they increase blood flow and prevent the veins from spreading or getting worse.
You will find that you might sweat or urinate a lot in the days after giving birth – this is the body working to get rid of all the excess fluid and is perfectly normal.
If you are suffering from swollen legs, ankles, and hands after having a baby, find comfort in knowing that there are many ways to lessen the pain and make your busy life as a new mom a bit easier.
Though it seems contradictory, there is nothing better for you than drinking lots of water. Spice up your 8-10 daily glasses by infusing cucumbers, lemons, or other citrus fruits – these natural diuretics will flush the kidneys and encourage your body to return to its natural state. In addition, maintaining a healthy diet that provides plenty of protein, iron, and vitamins is one of the best ways to flush unwanted fluids from your body.
If you think compression could help you through pregnancy and/or postpartum recovery, submit our Qualify Through Insurance Form today!
About the Author
Jessica Madden, MD, is the Medical Director at Aeroflow Breastpumps. Dr. Madden has been a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist for over 15 years. She's currently on staff in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, OH. She previously worked in the Boston and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospitals. In 2018 she started Primrose Newborn Care to provide in-home newborn medicine and lactation support. She also enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, and spending time with her children.
Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.
