Is it normal for feet to swell after giving birth

However, be sure to not cross your legs when sitting as this restricts blood flow and the flow of fluids trying to leave your body. Specialized postpartum exercises are the best choice!

A lot of processed foods contain high levels of sodium and sugar, which cause inflammation and water retention in your body. Stick to natural health foods, especially in the first week or two after childbirth. Your body balances fluids via electrolytes. These electrolytes, including salt and potassium, work together to maintain that balance. Increasing potassium intake naturally reduces the amount of sodium in your body.

Vitamin B6 pyridoxine , found mostly in red meat and brown rice, can help reduce mild fluid retention. Vitamin B5 pantothenic acid helps your body eliminate excess fluids , as does Vitamin D and calcium.

You can find these in low-fat dairy and fresh fruits. Calcium, manganese, and magnesium can also help with fluid retention caused by hormones. This happens due to high levels of progesterone during pregnancy and the time after childbirth.

Dandelion tea is thought to also help your body excrete extra fluids, and garlic and onions help increase circulation. Coffee, caffeinated teas, soft drinks, and alcohol act as diuretics, removing water from your body.

However, these can cause you to become dehydrated , which can trigger your body to retain water as a protective response. Instead, stick to herbal teas or water until the postpartum swelling goes down. Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and using a fan or air conditioner can help prevent further swelling. It may be difficult to escape the heat during summer, but staying cool will help you feel more comfortable.

If swelling after c section or vaginal birth is too uncomfortable, a cold compress can help. Just be sure to wrap the compress in a towel first to protect your skin from the intense cold. Tight shoes constrict your feet and reduce blood circulation, which can prevent your body from moving excess fluids from your feet to be eliminated.

Avoid wearing high heels as they can cause fluids to move down to your feet. Compression socks are popular with people with diabetes, varicose veins, poor circulation, and those who fly frequently. If your hands and fingers are swollen, raise them above your head when you're resting.

Drink plenty of water. Contrary to what you might think, drinking more water actually helps you retain less fluid. Light exercise also helps because it improves circulation, but check with your healthcare provider first and be careful not to overdo it. Postpartum swelling is rarely serious, but let your healthcare provider know if the swelling doesn't go down within a week or so. Call immediately if:.

Edema during pregnancy. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals.

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Even light exercise like an easy walk can offer relief by encouraging circulation. Be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. During pregnancy, your body produces about 50 percent more blood and fluids than it usually does to meet the needs of your growing baby and the placenta. All of that extra fluid helps soften your body so that it can better accommodate your baby as they grow and develop in the womb. It also prepares the joints and tissues in your pelvis for the stretching that will come with delivery.

About 25 percent of the weight gained during your pregnancy comes from these extra fluids. During labor, all of that pushing can force extra fluids to your face and extremities. If you give birth via cesarean delivery, intravenous IV fluids can also cause postpartum swelling. Minor swelling around your cesarean delivery incision scar or the perineum the area between the vaginal opening and the anus is very common.

This is a blood clot, usually in the leg. It can be a very serious problem, so call your doctor right away if you experience these symptoms. Remember, postpartum swelling is a normal part of the recovery process after labor and delivery.