Postpartum Oedema What Causes It

If you have experienced swelling during your pregnancy, it is normal for swelling to continue or increase postpartum. Sometimes, women who did not experience swelling during pregnancy might also have swollen limbs after giving birth.

What is Postpartum Oedema?

Postpartum Oedema, also known as postpartum swelling, occurs when excess fluids leak from your blood vessels into your tissue and cause fluid retention in your limbs. Postpartum Oedema is commonly found in legs, ankles, feet, hands, and face.

What Causes Postpartum Oedema

When you are pregnant, your body will produce approximately 50% more blood and fluids to provide sufficient nutrition and oxygen to your baby and the placenta. These additional fluids also work to soften your body, to accommodate your baby’s growth and development throughout pregnancy.

However, these fluids will not just magically disappear after childbirth, and instead will be redistributed to other parts of your body, resulting in fluid build-up in some areas. Any swelling is normal after childbirth, whether it was a vaginal birth or a C-section.

During vaginal childbirth, the physical exertion of pushing might send excess blood and fluid to the body’s extremities when you push, leading to swollen hands, feet, face and legs. On the other hand, if you opt for a C-Section birth, you might also get postpartum oedema from the Intravenous (IV) fluids that were administered throughout your surgery.

Other factors that might cause postpartum oedema are diets with high sodium and caffeine, or low potassium – which would lead to more fluid retention.

How To Reduce Postpartum Oedema

It will take some time for your body to return to “normal”. Here are a few ways you can try to help you reduce postpartum swelling:

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is extremely important if you want to reduce your swelling, especially if you are breastfeeding. This is because when you are dehydrated, your body will hold on to extra water. Although it might sound slightly counterintuitive, drinking more water will help you lose some of the excess fluids quicker. On top of that, water can also help keep your body’s systems healthy, further speeding up your postpartum recovery.

Do not stand for long hours

Standing for long hours will direct the fluid downwards to your feet, which could lead to swelling in your lower limbs. If you must be standing, do take breaks often, and try to rest your feet elevated to improve your blood circulation. You mustn’t cross your legs when sitting down, to avoid restricted blood flow.

Reduce intake of processed food and food high in sodium

Processed foods are usually high in sodium, which promotes fluid retention, bloating and may aggravate your postpartum swelling. Instead, do consume a balanced diet with sufficient potassium intake to reduce your swelling.

You have carried a baby in your body for 9 months, do give yourself some time for your body to recuperate. If your postpartum oedema persists after many months or is affecting your daily life, do consult your doctor for medical advice.