Having swollen feet during pregnancy is very common, usually in the last trimester, when the time of delivery is near. However, it is also very common that this problem stays even after giving birth. Just as the belly does not disappear immediately, nor do the physical features that accompany you during pregnancy.
Although most women imagine or hope that when they leave the delivery room their body will return to being more or less normal, the truth is that after a few days and even weeks, the changes do not begin to be noticed. At least for most, because many women have a much faster recovery and it's still totally normal.
Why are feet swollen after childbirth?
Having swollen feet is totally normal, whether it happens to you during pregnancy or if it lasts for a few days after giving birth. It is a common feature produced by the physical changes of the pregnancy itself, as a result of fluid retention, hormonal changes and other factors such as heat or the way you dress.
After childbirth it is common to have swollen feet, especially when a caesarean section is performed and in deliveries in which you have to induce labor with medication such as oxytocin. All that medication in large doses that is administered in these types of childbirth has to be eliminated by the body and it is not something easy. Everything takes time and you have to let the body return to its state at the rate it needs it. In many cases, they can stay that way for even a week or two after giving birth, so it's important to be patient.
Factors that influence when it comes to having swollen feet after childbirth are:
- Weight gain: especially if you have gained a lot of kilos during your pregnancy, you are more likely to suffer from swelling and that it remains after delivery.
- A high-sodium diet: foods rich in sodium are very harmful for many reasons, in pregnancy, they can cause inflammation in the extremities.
- Fluid retention: if you normally have fluid retention, it is very likely that during pregnancy and after childbirth you will suffer from it.
- multiple pregnancies: in women who are expecting more than one baby, it is a very common disorder, since they gain more weight in a normal way and their body undergoes greater transformations.
- The high temperatures: If you live in a naturally hot area or spend your pregnancy during the hot months, you are very likely to have this disorder.
- Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia: one of the symptoms of preeclampsia is the inflammation of the extremities, find out what the link consists of.
How to improve limb swelling
You can also do many things to improve foot and limb swelling. For example, start with reduce salt intake to reduce retention of liquids. It is also very important to increase your water intake to drain all that retention. Avoid spending too much time in the same position, neither sitting for a long time favors you, nor spending too much time standing without changing your posture.
When you are sitting try to have your feet up to promote blood circulation. Apply cold water on the legs performing a massage from the ankles to the knees, in circular movements and with the coldest water you can bear. Wear comfortable clothes, so that nothing oppresses your body so that the blood circulates correctly, also if it is hot you will be more comfortable with cool clothes that do not stick to the skin.
Finally, if your legs are very swollen after childbirth and they do not improve after a few days following the recommendations, you can try anti-inflammatory therapies. Go to a specialist in physiotherapy for pregnant women, with these recommendations and her help you will soon find yourself as good as new.