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What Causes Edema Of Feet And Legs Post Child Delivery?
Question: I was discharged from the hospital, after delivering my baby, 4 days ago. Yesterday, I had a couple of Dr appointments. While I was out, my ankles and calves got very swollen. Last night, I elevated my feet and the swelling went down quite a bit in my feet and ankles, but I still feel puffy in my legs. In the hospital, they checked for swelling.
Is this normal, and what causes it? Is this a serious problem? I called my Dr's office, and they didn't seem to be too worried about it.
Is this normal, and what causes it? Is this a serious problem? I called my Dr's office, and they didn't seem to be too worried about it.
Brief Answer:
physiological; consult doctor if persists for more then a week.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
Congratulations to you for your baby :)
I can understand your concerns.
The swelling or edema of feet and legs is due to the extra water that body retains during pregnancy.
The physical process of pushing during the delivery also sends excess blood and fluid toward the body's extremities, which leads to swelling.
Please be assured that there is nothing to be concerned about, as many woman will experience it after pregnancy.
However, if your swelling lasts for more than a week after giving birth and you have leg pain or headaches, it can indicate high blood pressure. You should contact your doctor to check for blood clots.
For the management of swelling:
1. You should try to take sufficient rest, preferable with your feet higher than your hips.
2. You should also to avoid crossing your legs. If you need to stand for a long time, try to shift your weight between feet and sit whenever possible.
3. Gently massage your legs and feet starting at the bottom and working up.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.
Kindly close the discussion if you have no more queries and give your valuable feedback.
I wish good health for you and your baby.
Take care.
Thanks.
physiological; consult doctor if persists for more then a week.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
Congratulations to you for your baby :)
I can understand your concerns.
The swelling or edema of feet and legs is due to the extra water that body retains during pregnancy.
The physical process of pushing during the delivery also sends excess blood and fluid toward the body's extremities, which leads to swelling.
Please be assured that there is nothing to be concerned about, as many woman will experience it after pregnancy.
However, if your swelling lasts for more than a week after giving birth and you have leg pain or headaches, it can indicate high blood pressure. You should contact your doctor to check for blood clots.
For the management of swelling:
1. You should try to take sufficient rest, preferable with your feet higher than your hips.
2. You should also to avoid crossing your legs. If you need to stand for a long time, try to shift your weight between feet and sit whenever possible.
3. Gently massage your legs and feet starting at the bottom and working up.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.
Kindly close the discussion if you have no more queries and give your valuable feedback.
I wish good health for you and your baby.
Take care.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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