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Postpartum swelling, caused by fluid retention during pregnancy, can occur in the ankles, fingers, and breasts. It can be treated with elevation, massage, and compression, but persistent swelling may indicate a more serious health issue.
Postpartum swelling, or edema, occurs because a woman’s body retained fluids during pregnancy. A number of factors can cause bloating, including consuming too much sodium during pregnancy, hot weather, and excessive physical activity. A woman may also suffer from postpartum bloating due to the intravenous fluids she received during childbirth. In many cases, postpartum swelling occurs in the ankles and fingers. Some women may also have swollen breasts. Postpartum swelling usually resolves on its own.
Postpartum swelling in the ankles or fingers can be treated by keeping the feet and hands in an elevated position. A new mother can rest with her feet elevated for at least half an hour in an effort to reduce swelling. The feet should be kept above heart level.
After birth, a new mother’s body will also try to get rid of the excess fluid. The kidneys do their best to rid the body of fluids, so a new mother may need to urinate frequently. Excess fluid can also leave the body through the pores, so women may find they sweat a lot after birth.
Women also usually experience swollen breasts after birth. Swelling can be due to too much milk or edema. Postpartum edema in the breasts can block a woman’s milk production so that she doesn’t produce enough to feed her baby. Massaging the breast while feeding or pumping can help reduce swelling as it expels milk.
To reduce swelling and force milk out, a woman with edema can apply cold, such as an ice pack, to the breast for 20 minutes before pumping or breastfeeding. She can also try a heating pad to reduce swelling and release the milk. A heating pad should be applied for no more than five minutes.
A compression bra can be a good option to reduce swelling for a woman who doesn’t plan to breastfeed. The compression will reduce the edema and persuade the body to stop producing milk. Women with leg and ankle edema may wish to wear compression stockings as well.
In some cases, postpartum swelling can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis. If the swelling does not go away within a week, a woman should call her doctor. Swelling accompanied by pain in the legs or head can also indicate a serious health problem.
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