The legs and feet become swollen during pregnancy, due to the increase in the amount of fluid and blood in the body and due to the pressure of the uterus on the lymphatic vessels in the pelvic region. Typically, the legs and feet begin to become more swollen from the 5th month onwards, which may worsen towards the end of pregnancy.
However, after giving birth, the legs may remain swollen, which is more common if the birth is performed by cesarean section.
Some tips that can relieve leg swelling are:
1. Drink plenty of water
Drinking fluids helps improve kidney function, facilitating the elimination of water through urine and thus reducing fluid retention.
See which foods are richest in water.
2. Wear compression socks
Compression socks are a great option for reducing the feeling of heavy, tired and swollen legs, because they act by compressing blood vessels.
Find out how compression socks work.
3. Go for a walk
Taking a light walk early in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is weaker, helps relieve swelling in the legs, because the microcirculation in the legs is activated. During the walk, you should wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
4. Elevate your legs
Whenever the pregnant woman is lying down, she should place her legs on a high pillow, to facilitate the return of blood to the heart. With this measure, it is possible to feel immediate relief and reduce swelling throughout the day.
5. Drink a draining juice
Drinking passion fruit and mint or pineapple and lemongrass juice is a way to help eliminate fluid retention.
To prepare passion fruit juice with mint, simply blend the pulp of 1 passion fruit with 3 mint leaves and 1/2 glass of water in a blender, filter and drink immediately. To prepare pineapple juice with lemongrass, blend 3 pineapple slices with 1 chopped lemongrass leaf in a blender, filter and drink.
6. Wash your legs with salt and orange leaves
Washing your legs with this mixture also helps reduce swelling. To prepare, simply place 20 orange leaves in 2 liters of water to boil, add cold water until the solution is lukewarm, add half a cup of coarse salt and wash your legs with the mixture.
If, in addition to swollen legs and feet, the pregnant woman experiences an intense headache, nausea and blurred or blurred vision, she should inform the obstetrician, as these symptoms may indicate high blood pressure, which can be dangerous for the mother and the baby. Another symptom that should also be reported to the doctor is the appearance of sudden swelling of the hands or feet.
Why do legs swell after giving birth?
Having swollen legs after giving birth is normal and this is due to the leakage of liquid from the blood vessels into the most superficial layer of the skin. This swelling lasts from 7 to 10 days and can be alleviated if the woman walks more, drinks plenty of water or takes some diuretic juice, for example.
