How long does postpartum swelling last?
Postpartum edema should go away in about a week. (It may last a few days longer if you had preeclampsia, or pregnancy-related high blood pressure, that caused excessive swelling of your feet and hands in late pregnancy.)
When should I be worried about postpartum swelling?
Most postpartum swelling is normal and will go away on its own. But sometimes swelling that happens in the days after delivery may indicate an underlying condition that warrants a call to the doctor. Call your practitioner if: You notice swelling that comes on suddenly.
Does postpartum edema get worse before it gets better?
Swelling is very common during the postpartum period. Swelling usually gets worse during the first postpartum week and will gradually improve with time after delivery. You should try to increase your water intake which will help your body to release extra fluid from swelling.
When should I be concerned about swollen feet and ankles?
If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911.
How do you get rid of swollen feet after pregnancy?
Elevate your feet To reduce swelling in the legs and improve circulation, spend some time with the legs elevated above the level of the heart. This encourages the water to flow throughout the body. Fluids naturally rush to the feet when a person stands, so elevating the feet can reduce swelling temporarily.
How long should you rest after giving birth?
If you’ve had a vaginal birth, you’re probably also wondering how long it will take for soreness to go away and your perineum to heal. Recovery can take anywhere from three weeks if you didn’t tear to six weeks or more if you had a perineal tear or an episiotomy.
What causes feet to swell after delivery?
Causes of postpartum swelling Share on Pinterest A buildup of water in the body during pregnancy may cause postpartum swelling. Postpartum swelling happens when water weight from pregnancy builds up in the body and remains after the pregnancy has ended. The swelling usually affects the legs, feet, ankles, and face.
How to prevent swelling after giving birth?
but staying hydrated can help with losing water weight.
Why do my ankles swell every day?
Swollen ankles can have many causes. The most common cause is water retention, usually caused by a high salt intake. Many people also get swollen ankles if they are on their feet all day. Warm weather, traeling or sitting for long periods of time can also make your ankles swell.
Are swollen feet and ankles normal during pregnancy?
Some swelling of the ankles and feet is normal during pregnancy. Sudden or excessive swelling, however, may be a sign of preeclampsia , a serious condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week of pregnancy.
What causes swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?
Swelling in both ankles and feet during pregnancy is a common occurrence. It is caused by a combination of pregnancy hormones, the increased volume of fluid being carried in the blood vessels, and by the growing uterus, which places pressure on the veins that carry blood up from the legs.
