What should you know about oedema after delivery?

Pregnancy-related fluid changes, intravenous fluids during labour, hormonal shifts, and reduced movement can leave extra fluid in the tissues after birth. Gravity often makes swelling more noticeable in the feet and ankles, especially later in the day. It should gradually ease as the body restores its fluid balance, although the pattern varies.

Swelling is not always a simple postpartum change. A warm, red, tender area may suggest cellulitis; itchy swelling with wheals may fit hives; swelling of the lips or tongue can be angioedema. New headache, visual change, upper abdominal pain, breathlessness, or high blood pressure can indicate a postpartum emergency and should not be dismissed as ordinary oedema.

Move gently as able, avoid standing still for long periods, and raise swollen legs when resting. Comfortable footwear, loose clothing, and normal hydration may help. Do not take water tablets, herbal remedies, or anti-inflammatory medicine for swelling unless your clinician says they are suitable, particularly if you are breastfeeding or have another medical condition.

Check both sides and notice whether the swelling changes with rest. Contact your maternity team or doctor if it is not easing, is becoming more uncomfortable, or appears mainly on one side. Mention blood-pressure concerns, delivery complications, intravenous treatment, and any new medicine.

Seek emergency care for breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, faintness, or sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Get urgent maternity advice for severe headache, visual disturbance, confusion, upper abdominal pain, or rapidly increasing swelling. A painful, hot, red one-sided leg or swelling with fever also needs prompt assessment.

Ask whether your blood pressure, urine, heart, and circulation need checking; what pattern of swelling is expected for you; and which medicines are safe. Ask how to monitor one-sided swelling, redness, pain, headache, or breathing symptoms at home.