Swelling after birth?

Hello guys, I am about to give birth (terrified…lol). My feet, ankles, and legs are extremely swollen; when I push them, you can see purple and yellow. When did the swelling completely go down for you? I have heard it gets worse after birth too.

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If you have not already been screened for preeclampsia, you should do so right away. Swelling is a major symptom. If you’ve already discussed this with your care provider and they’re not concerned, simply stay hydrated and wait it out. It may sound paradoxical, but staying hydrated can assist with oedema.

I totally get how you’re feeling right now—having just gone through it myself not too long ago. My feet and ankles were swollen like that too, and the discoloration was pretty alarming. For me, the swelling actually got a bit worse right after giving birth, but it started to go down significantly within a week or so. By around the two-week mark, most of the swelling had pretty much disappeared. It’s essential to stay hydrated, elevate your feet whenever you can, and follow your doctor’s advice to manage it. If you’re concerned about the severity, definitely check in with your healthcare provider—they can offer personalized guidance and reassurance.

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Check in with your doc for sure, if you haven’t already. Some swelling is normal, lots of swelling less so.

I had some significant swelling after my first, but less after my second. I had essentially no swelling before hand though. They pump your IV full of fluids, so that can cause some swelling.it went down within a couple of days.

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Swelling during pregnancy is common but can be uncomfortable. It often improves shortly after giving birth. However, if you experience sudden or excessive swelling, consult your doctor as it could be a sign of preeclampsia.

Here are some tips to manage swelling:

  • Elevate your feet when resting.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Consider compression stockings.
  • Limit sodium intake.