6 easy ways to get rid of the swollen body after childbirth

During pregnancy, it's not just your stomach that swells but your entire body - including your face, arms and legs. This is because the body produces about 50% more blood and fluids than normal to meet the needs of a growing baby. About 25% of the weight gain during pregnancy comes from extra fluids. This body swelling can last up to several weeks after delivery, which is known as postpartum edema. So, how to deflate a swollen body after giving birth?

The cause of the body to be swollen after giving birth

Water body weight that has existed since pregnancy does not necessarily disappear immediately after giving birth. The body swelling can last up to a week or more after giving birth, but it is normal.

One of the things that affects it is the size of the uterus which is still enlarged and has not fully returned to its original size and there is still excess progesterone from the pregnancy. Progesterone absorbs sodium salt and water, causing your body to swell during and after pregnancy.

Postpartum water weight can also be caused by the intake of intravenous fluids during labor, especially if you gave birth by caesarean section.

So, how do you get rid of the swollen body after giving birth so that it returns to normal?

How to deflate the body swelling after childbirth

1. Eat a healthy diet

Eating arrangements are not only important during pregnancy, but also afterwards. The right diet can help you lose water weight which makes the body swell after giving birth.

Eat a diet rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, as well as fiber from fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, foods rich in potassium (sweet potatoes, potatoes, yogurt, real orange juice, broccoli, bananas, chicken breast, tuna, raisins, low-fat cow's milk) can also help reduce swelling.

Avoid processed foods because they are high in sodium which can actually make the edema swelling worse.

2. Drink lots of water

One study found that drinking 2 liters of water per day can burn about 95 calories. Other studies have shown that drinking lots of water is also important for liver and kidney health, which can reduce swelling after childbirth caused by being overweight in water.

In addition, drinking lots of water also triggers you to urinate back and forth to help remove fluids that are still being retained in the body.

3. Regular exercise

Any exercise will make you sweat, which means you will lose excess body fluids. That's why exercise can be one of the best ways to reduce water weight after giving birth. One hour of exercise can deplete up to two liters of water weight in the body.

Exercise can also help the heart work more efficiently to pump blood so that it can circulate more smoothly throughout the body.

To choose what sports activities you want and can do after giving birth, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first.

4. Massage

A gentle body massage can also improve circulation and reduce excess fluid. You can massage the feet gently from the bottom to the top, using a massage oil such as grapeseed oil or olive oil. Better not to use aromatherapy essential oils.

5. Raise your legs while lying down

After giving birth, you'll spend a lot of time lying down - whether it's taking short breaks or nursing your baby. Now when lying down, lift your legs higher than your hips to help reduce the swelling. Hold this position for at least 30 minutes. If you are sore or not strong, you can lift and rest your feet against the wall, and support your hips with a soft pillow.

Also, avoid standing for too long. When you have to stand for a long time, try to get back to rest immediately afterward.

When sitting or lying down, do not cross your legs as this can obstruct the smooth flow of blood in the lower body.

6. Use comfortable shoes

When you want to travel, choose shoes that are most comfortable for you to walk and do not press too tightly on your feet. Avoid wearing high heels while you are recovering from childbirth.

Also avoid wearing clothes that are too tight around the wrists and ankles. Instead, choose loose clothing so that it doesn't put pressure on the body and hinder blood circulation

When to go to the doctor

Swollen body after childbirth is not a sign of serious illness and can subside on its own. However, immediately consult a doctor if the swelling has been going on for too long and is coupled with other symptoms such as: