12 simple and effective ways to treat postpartum edema

12 simple and effective ways to treat postpartum edema -

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Congratulations the new bundle of joy! Life seems definitely beautiful, is not it? As a new parent, they are obviously over the moon. Even as you enjoy this feeling, there are a million things that can cause discomfort and concern. Such a thing is postpartum edema.

What exactly is this and what are the possible ways to minimize the risks? Reading the post can help you learn about the causes and remedies.

What is postpartum Edema?

Swelling It is a common condition during pregnancy. Fingers, legs, ankles and feet swell and cause discomfort when you are pregnant. This effect also last for a week or more after delivery.

It will produce about 50% more blood during pregnancy. It will help nourish and protect you and your child. Furthermore, low protein concentration and dilution of the blood which leads to low hemoglobin concentration, play important role in the accumulation of fluid.

During the delivery, not all the blood leaves the body. A combination of this extra blood, hormonal changes, and fluid retention will make your hands, legs and ankles swell post-pregnancy. E 'it is known as postpartum edema or after childbirth swelling.

Expert advice from a gynecologist :.

In most cases this is not a matter of interest and disappears from the right within a week. Just have a good posture, exercise, protein-rich diet and plenty of water.

Observe the degree of edema. If you do not subside within a week or gravity increases or is associated with other problems, please talk to your doctor. He will check your blood pressure, find out if you have anaemiain or any other serious issue such as heart disease, kidney, liver, etc.

Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor as these can cause more problems and may harm your baby if you breast fed. contact your doctor immediately if you feel pain in the legs or chest, are disturbances in breathing or heart palpitations.

Dr Sujoy Dasgupta

MBBS (gold medal, Hons)
MS (OBGY- gold medal)
DNB ( new Delhi)
companion of reproductive Endocrinology and infertility (ACOG, USA)
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist,
specialist in infertility and sexual dysfunction

Causes of postpartum edema:

most women find that the swelling increases postpartum leading to pain and general discomfort that can interfere with the responsibilities of motherhood. Even if there is no swelling during pregnancy, you risk having your hands and feet swollen after work.

But what causes bloating after pregnancy?

1. Hormones:

The most common cause for postpartum swelling is hormones. The body produces a large amount of progesterone during pregnancy. Excess progesterone causes retention of water and sodium in the body, which leads to swelling after the birth of the child

[Read: ways to restore hormones after pregnancy ].

2. Expanding Uterus:

When the uterus expands with the growth of the child, there is pressure exerted on the veins to the legs. It thus restricts the flow of blood to the lower body. Since there is a buildup of fluid during pregnancy, it will take some time for the fluid to subside post-pregnancy.

3. The delivery process:

There is a natural pressure already created during pregnancy, causing swollenness. Along with it, the push to give birth will brings in more blood and fluids at the ends. It will therefore lead to swelling of the fingers, hands, legs, feet, and even the face.

4. IV Fluids:

IV Fluids are also an important cause of postpartum swelling. Most women who suffer from a cesarean receive medicines and IV anesthesia, and those who give birth vaginally receive drugs like Pitocin and certain fluids. These fluids in several tend to accumulate in your body and take several days to leave the body

The symptoms that are associated with postpartum edema :.

swelling of the hands and legs can be mild, moderate or extreme.

skin on the hands, legs and other parts appear inflamed swollen, taut, shiny, and swollen

Skin sinks if you press it.

swelling can also influence the abdomen than the hands and legs.

Swelling Subside not alone?

The first thing to remember is that you need to relax, as a general swelling is normal.

swelling in familiar areas such as the hands, legs, feet, face and lower back should reduce in a week's time.

During this period, the kidneys should be subjected to overwork to eliminate excess fluid from the body.

it means that there will be an increase in urination.

The extra fluids would also be expiated as sweat through the pores

[Read: Sweating after pregnancy ]

If the swelling does not go down alone, you can then follow some remedies that will help to relieve swelling after pregnancy

ways to alleviate postpartum edema :.

these are the few excellent remedies that greatly help to alleviate or eliminate postpartum edema.

1. Healthy diet:

A healthy diet is one of the important factors for a woman after childbirth. When you eat properly, you can easily flush out the excess fluid from the body and the body will provide a clean energy levels in more for your child as well. Eating protein-rich foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Also, eating potassium-rich foods as they help to relieve swelling. Stay away from processed foods because they contain sodium bloat-causing

[Read: Post Pregnancy Diet ].

2. Consume more fluids:

You may be confused with this! Since there is an excess accumulation of fluid in the body, it would take more working fluids? Yes, it would. Drink extra fluid will signal the body to flush out the fluid that was held in. It can be of great help to relieve swelling. Make sure you take more water, and likewise, to empty the bladder often.

3. Elevate the hands and feet:

rest your hands and feet in the raised position for about 30 minutes every day. They should be raised above the level of the heart so that the blood flow will be correct in these areas. It will, therefore, reduce the swelling in the extremities.

4. Moderate exercise:

Perform exercises and moderate activity as they help to improve circulation and remove excess fluids from the body through sweat. Taking care of your newborn is also an exercise as it makes efficient your heart pumps. But all you have to do is to get your doctor's approval before starting anything.

5. Massage:

foot, leg therapy is another great way to relieve swelling after pregnancy, unless you have more swelling and pain. And 'good for the circulation and cuts off the excess fluid accumulation.

Ask your partner to massage your legs and feet gently, starting from the bottom up.

You can use the base oil such as grape seed oil to massage.

But you should avoid aromatherapy essential oils.

Watch this video that helps you to understand modes of massage during pregnancy and after pregnancy.

6. The correct posture and rest:

Avoid crossing your legs and feet for long life, as the first restricts the blood flow. Lie down, placing your feet at a height above the hips would be helpful. Put your feet up, above the level of your heart. Will improve circulation and facilitates the swelling

[Read: 3 simple precautions after delivery ].

7. Soak your feet:

refrain alone for massage aromatherapy essential oils. Instead, soak your feet in a mixture of water flavored with oil. To improve blood flow and prevent varicose veins cypress oil use while lavender or chamomile oil takes away the discomfort.

8. Tea:

Have tea in moderation during and after pregnancy. Dandelion tea is a good choice as it helps prevent liquid retention. Do not take them if you have gallbladder problems.

9. Cabbage leaves:

Place green or white cabbage leaves over the swollen area to relieve discomfort as you pull out the excess fluid from the legs and feet swollen. Clean the leaves, but not with water and put them in the fridge. Now, wrap the swollen ends with these fresh leaves and leave them until they do not get wet. Repeat the process until the discomfort eases.

10. Acupuncture and Reflexology:

contemporary therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology will be of great help to relieve swelling and discomfort. Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, can help rebalancing the internal energies, as well as improving kidney function and circulation.

11. Stay Cool:

remain as fresh as possible because heat can worsen the swelling. As you are a new mom, stay at home and make sure you have a good flow of air into the room.

12. Tips :.

Do not wear tight fitting clothes or accessories as it prevents the flow of blood which can cause swelling

You can take a relaxing bath if the doctor you It gave approval. It can also help relieve the swelling.

Lie to your side as it improves blood circulation and thus reduces swelling.

You can wear supportive. socks

Dealing with incision swelling after pregnancy:

sometimes, there could be a painful swelling of the incision areas. Swelling is common in caesarean section for the initial days. This can make it difficult for you to care for your little one. There will also be additional bruising and swelling in the perineum when you experience a vaginal tear or episiotomy.

Using ice pack is the best remedy to relieve swelling caesarean section and perineal incisions. You should clean both areas, as directed by your health care provider. You can also take a hot shower to find relief. Do not apply lotion or creams containing vitamin E until the area heals completely.

When you worry about swelling after pregnancy?

edema

postpartum is not a sign of serious illness. Postpartum edema disappears by itself. However, in some cases, the swelling does not brake in a week's time.

In some cases, edema may be associated with other symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, palpitations, generalized swelling throughout the body, bottom. diuresis etc. Consult your doctor as sometimes the bloated body can indicate serious complications

some of the risk factors you should be aware of are:

1. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT):

DVT can cause death within hours. t an emergency that requires immediate hospitalization and heparin injection. If you notice the following symptoms, seek medical advice (1).

Swelling in one or both legs or ankles
pain or tenderness in one or both legs
red skin in the affected leg
visible veins
Leg fatigue

2. Post-partum cardiomyopathy (PPCM):

a, threatening cardiac disease for rare life PPCM arrives at ' sudden and can be fatal.It often happens in women who were previously healthy. One of the main symptoms of PPCM is postpartum edema. Other symptoms include (2):

palpitations
The chest pain
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Increased urination at night

3. Postpartum Preeclampsia:

Preeclampsia is common during pregnancy. But it can happen after birth too. Post-partum preeclampsia can affect not just giving birth, or can develop four to six weeks after delivery. Symptoms of post-partum preeclampsia include (3):

swelling of the extremities
high pressure
excess protein in the urine
Severe headaches
changes in vision
abdominal pain upper
Nausea
urination Decreased

not take vitamin supplements until the doctors prescribe because they may increase the chances of getting preeclampsia postpartum. If you have the above symptoms, do not forget to check your blood pressure

[Read: post-partum preeclampsia ].

Preventing Postpartum Edema:

Although it is not a thing possible to prevent postpartum edema, some ways can help reduce the severity of edema. It means that the feet and legs can become less tender and painful. One of the best ways to prevent the swelling is to have a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy, so it is not gaining excess weight.

Include lean protein at every meal. Some good sources include meat, poultry, legumes, beans and eggs.

consume about five servings of healthy food including fruit and vegetables.

reduce the intake of sugar, salt and fat foods and take in more water. It helps the kidneys to flush excess fluid from the body.

You must include natural diuretics as they help flush out excessively, thus helping to reduce swelling. Some of the natural diuretics include apples, citrus fruits, watercress, celery and parsley.

include more onion and garlic in your diet as it helps to improve circulation.

Avoid processed foods and pre-packaged as they can increase the content of fluid in the system because of their excess salt and add-ons.

Include more foods that contain vitamin C and E. Vitamin C, take more cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, melons, potatoes, peppers (red and green), and citrus fruits. For vitamin E, taking more almonds, cashews, margarine, corn oil, wheat germ, corn, vegetable oils (corn, wheat and soy germ), and sunflower seeds.

stop smoking as it is not safe for your little one healthy and blocks your postpartum swelling from healing.

Hopefully now understand the reasons behind postpartum edema after giving birth to her child, and should not be a cause of great concern or confusion.

Getting back to your former figure after giving birth could be a huge task, but like Sylvia Brown, co-author of the post-pregnancy manual says, "A well-informed woman can use this time to heal his body properly and give the rest and care they need. "

You are dealing with postpartum swelling at this time? How are you managing? Do not share your experiences and give us your feedback in the comments section below

Frequently asked questions :.

1. My feet get back their pre-pregnancy size

Ans :? You may sometimes feel that your feet are even bigger, even after the swelling disappears. It may be due to the loss of the ligaments in the feet which can make your feet spread. And finally it resolves on its own. Do not worry unnecessarily, because this is a typical scenario that can stay for a month after pregnancy

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Rebecca Malachi

"I believe that words have power. It is a powerful tool for the creative soul. Being a 'word addict', I express my thoughts and contribute articles to the health, wellness and beauty part. writing, I like listening to gospel music and enjoy nature watching in silence. "

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12 simple and effective ways to treat postpartum edema

What is postpartum Edema?