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Is Heaviness In The Lower Abdomen A Side Effect Of Epidural Anesthesia?
Question: I delivered my baby on 4th of July but my body is still too heavy where specially my lower part is too heavy due to which I am unable to walk properly and unable to sleep due to heaviness. Is it a side effect of epidural which they gave me during induction or side effect of drips which was given to me.
Brief Answer:
post natal care
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query to hcm,
As your delivery has been on 4th of july and normal vaginal delivery with epidural, the heaviness in the lower abdomen is likely due to the involuting uterus and the lochia which is being shed out which can constantly cause a heaviness in the lower abdomen especially while walking. An epidural can often cause dizziness episodes and lethargy and hence water intake has to be maintained to 12-15 glasses a day to maintain hydration which can easily alleviate the symptoms so experienced at present.
Keep the perineum clean and practice regular breast feeding practice s this shall help in faster involution of uterus and early return to pre-pregnancy state.
Regards
post natal care
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query to hcm,
As your delivery has been on 4th of july and normal vaginal delivery with epidural, the heaviness in the lower abdomen is likely due to the involuting uterus and the lochia which is being shed out which can constantly cause a heaviness in the lower abdomen especially while walking. An epidural can often cause dizziness episodes and lethargy and hence water intake has to be maintained to 12-15 glasses a day to maintain hydration which can easily alleviate the symptoms so experienced at present.
Keep the perineum clean and practice regular breast feeding practice s this shall help in faster involution of uterus and early return to pre-pregnancy state.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Along with heaviness my legs are swollen so even that will be fine is it and at this state they have tied my stomach tightly is it safe to tie the stomach using saree or post delivery belt to reduce tummy
Brief Answer:
answered
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The swelling in legs are usually not seen post pregnancy if blood pressure is normal. However there may be hypoproteinemia which can often result in swelling of feet or if you have been standing for a longer period of time. Maintain good hydration and try to keep your feet over 2 pillows whenever lying down to rest to allow veinous drainage and decrease in swelling.
Abdominal binder or using a saree will not help in anyways regaining the tone of abdominal muscles. The only way which can help post delivery to regain abdominal muscle tone is abdominal toning exercises which can be started after 6 weeks of delivery. Abdominal binders can infact can further decrease the tone and cause further flabbiness. So it should be avoided.
Regards
answered
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The swelling in legs are usually not seen post pregnancy if blood pressure is normal. However there may be hypoproteinemia which can often result in swelling of feet or if you have been standing for a longer period of time. Maintain good hydration and try to keep your feet over 2 pillows whenever lying down to rest to allow veinous drainage and decrease in swelling.
Abdominal binder or using a saree will not help in anyways regaining the tone of abdominal muscles. The only way which can help post delivery to regain abdominal muscle tone is abdominal toning exercises which can be started after 6 weeks of delivery. Abdominal binders can infact can further decrease the tone and cause further flabbiness. So it should be avoided.
Regards
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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