You've given birth, but your feet still look swollen and your shoe size doesn't return to its original size? Is this condition dangerous? Understanding the causes and ways of dealing with swollen feet after giving birth will help you deal with the problem you are experiencing.
Swollen feet or leg edema is normal and usually subsides shortly after delivery. In addition to occurring in the legs, postnatal swelling can also appear in the hands, face, legs, and ankles.
During pregnancy, your body will produce a lot of blood and fluids to help the development of the fetus in the womb. About 25 percent of the total weight gain is influenced by the accumulation of fluids in the body.
Cause of Occurrence Kbattery Bpuffy
Swollen feet are caused by several changes in the body due to pregnancy and childbirth, including:
- Accumulation of fluids in the bodyDuring pregnancy, the body produces more of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. An increase in these two hormones can cause fluid retention or buildup in the body, including in the legs.
- Enlarged uterusThe growing uterus can put pressure on the veins in the legs so that the backflow of blood from the lower parts of the body becomes blocked. This is one of the reasons why there is a buildup of fluid in the legs during pregnancy. After delivery, the uterus pushes blood to the lower part of the body. As a result, it can take several days after delivery for the swelling in the legs to subside.
- Infusion fluidDuring labor, especially if you have a cesarean, you may also receive intravenous fluids, which will increase the amount of body fluids.
- Straining during childbirthDuring normal labor, there is an increase in pressure to various areas of the body, which can cause fluid to build up on the face, arms, and legs.
- Body ligaments become looserThe ligaments or connective tissue throughout your body during pregnancy become looser, causing your legs to enlarge. Therefore, don't be surprised if you notice that your shoe size after giving birth is bigger than before. Generally, this condition is only temporary. But in some people, these changes can be permanent.
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Swollen legs after delivery will return to normal in a few days. For several days after delivery, the extra tissue, blood vessels, and fluids needed for the baby in the womb are still stored in the body. During this period, the kidneys have to work extra to excrete excess fluid.
This fluid will be processed by the kidneys to leave the body in the form of urine, so you will urinate more often than usual. In addition, the fluid will also come out in the form of sweat.
Cfig Mreduce Swelling in the Legs
If it bothers you, when lying down, you can support your feet with pillows so that your feet are higher than your heart. Make sure your legs get enough rest by not standing all day and avoid sitting with your legs crossed because you risk blocking blood circulation. Gentle massage and acupuncture are also allegedly able to help reduce swollen feet.
Meanwhile, to prevent the development of post-partum swelling, pregnant women can eat healthy foods during pregnancy. The healthy diet includes:
- Low-fat protein foods, such as meat, eggs, and nuts.
- Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruit every day.
- Reduce consumption of salt, sugar, and fat.
- Expand the consumption of mineral water to help the kidneys remove excess fluid.
- Consume several types of foods that can help the kidneys work, namely foods rich in vitamins C and E, such as oranges, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, and almonds.
- Limit consumption of packaged foods that usually contain high salt and additives.
- Avoid smoking.
By sticking to a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, the risk of swollen feet after delivery can be avoided.
When hcurrent Mewalertit?
Although this is normal and generally harmless, you should see a doctor if you experience:
- Swelling of the legs that does not subside for more than a week.
- Swelling accompanied by a very severe headache and pain in the legs. This can be a symptom of high blood pressure.
- Swelling that occurs in only one leg or ankle and is accompanied by intense pain. This can be a sign of a blood clot that blocks the flow of a vein, also known as a blood clot deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Although swollen feet after giving birth are quite common, don't hesitate to consult a doctor about this, especially if it doesn't go away.