Postpartum Edema & ICP or Fatty Liver

I had post partum edema, particularly in my legs and feet after the birth of my second child. I was told that it was the result of the epidural. I used TED stockings (compression stockings) and tried to stay off of my feet as much as possible, keeping them elevated while laying down. However, her swelling should be decreasing little by little 10 days after the birth. It sounds like there may be more to her condition than just post-partum edema. Maybe you could suggest that your sister get a second opinion, even if she starts with her own primary care physician. Sometimes, OB doctors dismiss the complaints of their pregnant/ postpartum patients, assuming that everything is just a result of the pregnancy.

Also, is it possible that your sister had pre-eclampsia during her pregnancy? I had this condition with my first pregnancy and it can cause edema, high blood pressure, and elevated liver enzymes. The "cure" for it is to deliver the baby, but it can take up to 6 weeks postpartum for everything to return to normal. Encourage your sister to ask more questions. Good luck!

V.,

I went through something very similar with my first, and actually had pre-eclempsia (SP) -- they induced V within a week of her actual due date.

I was itchier than anything the last 6 weeks of pregnancy. Was under constant supervision for blood pressure, had started to go into kidney failure, and my liver was compromised as well.

The swelling and BP remained issues for a week or two after delivery, when the strangest thing started to happen. I started leaching water from almost every pore in my body. I'd touch something, and it would feel wet. I was cold all the time. Everything felt damp, I was constantly paranoid that the dogs had wee'd in the house. I would walk across the kitchen floor and leave wet foot prints.

My mother was big on giving me foot rubs, and had to use a towel to soak up the excess fluid! (BTW-- after these massages, my feet and ankles would be very nearly normal size) I wouldn't be surprised if your sister goes through something very similar.

It sounds like preeclampsia to me. Which should resolve itself now that the baby is out. Thank GOD the baby is healthy. It stinks that the doctors aren't being more proactive, which sounds like it's just leading to more worry. But this too shall pass. From what I remember, the first month after delivery was the rockiest. And for me, symptoms declined steadily over a 6 month period.

BTW, preeclampsia is rare. If she wants to have another baby, there is no reason to let this one episode hold her back. The doctors will automatically lump her into the "high risk" category b/c of it, but it rarely happens to the same person twice. I had my son last year after a healthy pregnancy -- they put me on "bed rest / limited activity" the last month B/C of my history with preeclampsia, but the BP stayed within normal range. Also kidney and liver function are good - so whoo - hoo! As with any pregnancy, you just have to be careful.

Best of luck to the both of you -- please let us know how it goes!

I developed pre-eclampsia 9 days postpartum with the same symptoms you are describing in your sister- extreme swelling, lightheadedness, etc. When tested, my blood pressure was considered "elevated, but not alarming". Blood pressure is a relative thing... mine is typically 105/75, so even though 138/87 is considered "elevated", for me it was an indicator that something was truly wrong. Have her see her OB right away. This is not normal.

Although I did not have any liver or kidney problems during either of my pregnancies, I did experience some significant ankle/leg swelling for 1-2 weeks after giving birth, which were both c-sections. Some fluid retention is normal, I believe. The body gets rid of it through major postpartum sweating! However, your sister should definitely keep an eye on things and follow up with her doctor, just to be safe. Good luck!

After delivering my twins I had what I felt was pretty severe postpartum edema. I didn't have very bad swelling even with two babies until I left the hospital. My doctor was also not very concerned and told me that drinking extra water would help my body flush out the toxins and hormones that were making my cells hold water. Did your sister have a lot of IVs? My family felt that they were the reason for my Edema (I had four over the course of the 24 hours before having my babies and in recovery) I look at pictures after coming home and I look fatter than before. I even weighed more than before I got rid of 12 pounds of baby and who knows how much in fluids and blood. It took about 7 days post leaving the hospital for my legs and feet to be comfortable and about 14 to truly feel like all my extra water weight was gone. I did not have any liver conditions so I can't speak to any danger that could be coming from them or if the edema could be a warning sign there.

I had severe edema when i was weighed i had gained 34 pounds after giving birth 3 days before they tried the stocking, didnt work then the gave me a lasics treatment every 3 hours it makes you go to the restroom a whole lot but it flushes out all the extra fluid.