Is it normal to swell after a c section

Here are four lessons I took away from that experience. After months of expanding, the skin might hang over the incision. At least not yet. Every time I look at it and it bothers me, I quickly glance at my son. I had an emergency C-Section and that incision was his only chance at survival.

Swelly feet Your feet will swell! They will swell and look like balloons. The culprit? All the fluid and drugs pumped into your body when you were in labour, or in preparation for your C-section. If people eat too much sodium, or salt, they will retain more water. Common sources of sodium include table salt and processed foods, such as cakes, chips, prepackaged meals, and soft drinks. The — Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that people eat no more than 2, milligrams of sodium per day.

Checking the sodium contents on food packaging can help a person to keep their salt intake within a healthful range and reduce water retention.

Sodium and potassium work together, and the body requires a balance. Consuming more potassium naturally lowers the amount of sodium in the body. Foods rich in potassium include:. Coffee and other caffeinated products can make the body lose water, increasing the risk of dehydration. The body may respond by retaining fluids.

Replace caffeinated drinks with herbal teas or water to stay hydrated and reduce postpartum swelling. Using a foam roller on the legs, for example, can help to speed up blood flow by encouraging the blood to move through the veins at a quicker pace.

A healthcare provider can help to advise about the effectiveness of a foam roller for postpartum swelling. The rollers are available for purchase at athletic stores or online. The American Pregnancy Association recommend a postpartum massage for relaxation, pain relief, and reduced swelling. Massage can promote circulation and help the body to lose excess water weight. Postpartum massage can also help to rebalance hormone levels and regulate levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, according to the organization.

When choosing a massage therapist or acupuncturist, find someone who is certified and who specializes in or is familiar with treating postpartum clients. Get moving. What causes postpartum swelling? When is postpartum swelling a problem? The takeaway. Parenthood Postpartum Care. Medically reviewed by Michael Weber, M. Placenta Delivery: What to Expect. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Fernando Mariz, MD.

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