Swollen feet after giving birth or “Postpartum oedema” is a condition where abnormal fluids accumulate in the feet area. It can occur due to pregnancy and after giving birth, prolonged holding in the same posture as sitting or standing, obesity, and aging.
During pregnancy, most women feel this horrible experience of swelling due to the pressure of the growing womb which can affect the blood circulation of the lower limbs generally, thus it can cause swollen feet but there is a possibility of continuing swollen feet after giving birth also.
Causes of swollen feet after giving birth
Weather can play a major role in swollen feet after giving birth, especially, when you are living in a hot and humid region. Besides that, if any mother keeps standing or sitting for a long time after pregnancy, it can also cause swollen feet. There can be some more associated causes of swollen feet after giving birth like:
- Hemorrhoids: Postpartum swelling can continue due to the swelling in the anus and rectum area due to uncomfortable bowel movements during pregnancy. It creates pressure in the pelvic area and feet could retain extra fluids. Swollen feet after giving birth due to hemorrhoids can be cured after a few weeks.
- Breast enlargement: Due to the prolactin hormone, usually breast enlargement process usually starts during pregnancy. It can cause swelling and pain in the breast area but oversupply of milk or poor drainage due to lactation might cause swollen feet after giving birth.
- Profound Vein Apoplexy: Profound vein apoplexy is a severe condition wherein blood coagulation structures in one of the deep veins in the legs. It can cause swollen feet after giving birth. This issue is more normal in post-pregnancy than in pregnant ladies.
- Postpartum preeclampsia or hypertension: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), postpartum preeclampsia can occur six weeks after pregnancy and it is a serious condition to look after. If it is left untreated, it can cause organ damage as preeclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure, and it can cause excess protein excretion with urine. Swollen feet after giving birth can be a sign of postpartum preeclampsia.
- C-section infection: This incidence is more common in cesarean section child delivery. Infection causes fever, swelling, redness, and itching in the surgical area. It can also spread in other areas, especially on feet.
Final thought
Swollen feet after pregnancy can be very irritating and sometimes it can be a sign of any severe condition. Avoiding holding a single posture for a long time, normal foot exercises and following some common remedies can reduce normal swollen feet after pregnancy.