Edema

Edema is a condition wherein the body is not able to process and eliminate the fluid build up quickly enough. This fluid ends up causing swelling and discomfort; usually in the lower extremities but also the face and hands. In cases of edema brought on by pregnancy, the cause is an abundance of the hormone progesterone which in high amounts causes the body to retain water and sodium. This, in conjunction with a higher amount of blood and dilution of proteins due to an increase in fluids, overloads the body, leading to the swelling we call edema.

Postpartum swelling after childbirth should go down after about a week but if the condition persists or you’d like to accelerate results try elevating your feet, eating a low sodium diet and drinking more fluids to help flush the body out.