21 answers

Swollen Feet After C-section

I had a c-section one week ago today and just noticed that my feet and ankles were swollen. I've been resting and trying to take it easy but a little hard with a newborn and a2 1/2 year at home. My husband, parents and in laws have been great by helping but there's only so much they can all do since i'm nursing. I'm taking ibuprofen and was taking percocet (only for 3 days but have stopped). I didn't have swollen feet with my first child (and he was also a c-section) so I'm a little confused why I'm having this now.

What can I do next?

Featured Answers

Hi,

I think that's very normal after a C-section--I was very, very swollen too. It went away after a couple of weeks.

Congratulations on the new baby!

:-) D.

My feet were very swollen for 2 wks after having my son vaginally. My OB said that it was normal for awhile and that they may be swollen even more then when I was pregnant (which they were). I kept my feet elevated as much as possible and drank LOTS of water. Hope this helps!

More Answers

i had a c section 2 months ago and had the same problem.... have someone massage your feet and legs- pushing fluid upward...it really helps. my swelling went down after a few days.

T., have you talked to your doctor? I wish only my feet and ankles swelled. I was double my size when I was at home after my c-secton. From my waist down was so swollen. I don't remember how long it took to go down, but it did.

Dear T. - I think you may be dehydrated. I got swollen ankles when I was not drinking enough water - especially while nursing you need a lot more. There's some great info on water's curative benefits here:
http://www.watercure.com/index.html
Check it out! It just might work, and certainly couldn't hurt! He even has a section on how to know how much is too much water:
http://www.watercure.com/faq.html
Best to you!
R.

Hello T.,

One of my friends also had a C-section and had swollen feet after giving birth. She took herbal medicine that my father recommended, as he is an Oriental Medicine Doctor. He and I practice Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) in Las Vegas.

After taking the herbs, her feet are no longer swollen and is doing very well. If you are interested in trying this natural remedy, feel free to call us at
Dr. Rhee's Acupuncture Clinic
1995 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89104
###-###-####

It might be because you are not walking around enough. After my c section the doctor/nurses had me hout of bed every 1/2 hour for 10 miinutes because of swelling.

I had 2 c-sections, and each time this happened.
If anything, ask your Doctor. But it takes time for the body to readjust after having a baby... and there is water retention etc.

ALso wanted to add, that when a women is pregnant, the bodily fuids & blood volume increases a GREAT deal... so after birth, the body has to then regulate itself again and readjust...thus, the "extra" fluid/water retention in the body etc. I don't believe that it "only" happens with c-sections.

If it gets very uncomfortable or worrisome, put a call into your doctor. Only take what your Doctor allows.

take care,
Susan

I was swollen after my second c. Not after my first c. I stayed swollen for 6 weeks. At my 2 week appt. there were 2 girls in the office for their 6 weeks and they commented on my feet. They said they were just finally not swollen at 6 weeks post op. I dont really know why, age, stress, higher bp? I was borderline hypertensive with my second pregnancy. Not sure if that had anything to do with it. All i know is that I didnt "bounce" back with my second as I did with my first! Fun!

I had the same thing, it's normal after childbirth, was told by my doc to drink LOTS of water and it subsided within a week or so, if I remember correctly. Congratulations on the birth of your precious baby.

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