6 Easy Ways to Deflate a Swollen Body After Childbirth

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Medical Video: Hand & Foot Pain : How to Reduce Swelling in the Feet

During pregnancy, not only is your stomach swollen but your whole body - including your face, arms and legs. This is because the body produces about 50% more blood and fluids than usual to meet the needs of a growing baby. About 25% of weight gain during pregnancy comes from the extra fluid. This swelling of the body can last up to several weeks after giving birth, which is called postpartum edema. So, how to deflate a swollen body after giving birth?

The cause of the body becomes swollen after giving birth

The weight of water that has been around since pregnancy does not necessarily immediately disappear after giving birth. Swelling of the body can last up to one week or more after giving birth, but this is normal.

One of the things that affects it is the size of the uterus that is still enlarged and has not fully returned to its original size and there is still an excess of the hormone progesterone from the time of pregnancy. Progesterone absorbs sodium and water salts to make your body swell during and after pregnancy.

The weight of the water after giving birth can also be caused by the input of intravenous fluids during labor, especially if you give birth by caesarean section.

So, how to deflate the swollen body after giving birth to return to normal?

How to deflate the body swollen after giving birth

1. Eat healthy food

Arrangement of eating is not only important during pregnancy, but also afterwards. The right diet can help you lose the weight of the water that makes the body swollen after giving birth.

Eat foods that are rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, as well as fiber from fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, potassium-rich foods (sweet potatoes, potatoes, yogurt, real orange juice, broccoli, bananas, chicken breast, tuna, raisins, low-fat cow's milk) can also help reduce swelling.

Avoid processed foods because they contain high sodium which actually triggers edema swelling to get worse.

2. Drink lots of water

One study found that drinking 2 liters of water per day can burn about 95 calories. Other research shows that drinking lots of water is also important for the health of the liver and kidneys, which can reduce swelling after childbirth due to excess body water.

In addition, drinking lots of water also triggers you to go back and forth to help urinate the fluid that is still being held in the body.

3. Regular exercise

Any exercise will make you sweat, which means you will lose excess body fluids. That's why exercise can be one of the best ways to reduce water weight after giving birth. An hour of exercise can drain up to two liters of water in the body.

Exercise can also help the heart work more efficiently to pump blood so that circulation is more smooth throughout the body.

To choose what sports activities you want and can do after giving birth, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first.

4. Massage

Gently massaging the body can also facilitate circulation and reduce excess fluid. You can gently massage the feet from the bottom to the top, using massage oils such as grapeseed oil or olive oil. We recommend that you do not use aromatherapy essential oils.

5. Lift your legs while lying down

After giving birth, you will spend more time lying down - whether for a short break or nursing a baby. Now when lying down, lift your feet higher than your hips to help deflate the swelling. Hold this position for at least 30 minutes. If you are sore or not strong, you can lift and put your feet together on the wall, and prop your hips with a soft pillow.

Also, avoid standing too long. When you really have to stand for a long time, try to rest immediately afterwards.

When sitting or lying down, do not cross your legs because this can inhibit the smooth flow of blood in the lower body.

6. Use comfortable shoes

When you want to travel, choose the shoes that are the most comfortable for you to walk and not press your feet too tight. Avoid wearing high heels during recovery after giving birth.

Also avoid wearing clothes that are too tight around the wrists and ankles. Instead, choose loose clothing so that it does not suppress the body and inhibit blood circulation

When to go to the doctor?

A swollen body after giving birth is not a sign of a serious illness and can subside on its own. However, immediately consult a doctor if the swelling has occurred too long and added to other symptoms such as:

  • Pain that continues to increase
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Very little urine
  • The heart beats fast
  • Fever
  • Redness
  • It smells bad

The above symptoms can indicate blood vessel blockage and other more serious complications.

6 Easy Ways to Deflate a Swollen Body After Childbirth
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