Water retention in feet after a C-section

Pregnancy-related fluid, intravenous fluids during care and reduced movement after surgery can leave the feet and ankles puffy. Swelling may be more noticeable later in the day and often affects both sides. It should gradually improve as your body readjusts. Swelling alone does not diagnose pre-eclampsia, but postpartum pre-eclampsia can occur and may include headache, visual changes, upper abdominal pain or high blood pressure. A painful, warm or red leg may suggest a clot and needs assessment.

Take short, gentle walks as permitted, move your ankles while resting and raise your feet on a support. Avoid tight socks and shoes, and drink normally unless your clinician has given different advice. Do not start water tablets or herbal remedies without medical guidance. Keep your wound-care and mobilisation instructions in view; postnatal physiotherapy may help when recovery needs extra support.

Contact your maternity team urgently for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision, shortness of breath, chest pain, heavy bleeding or a sudden increase in swelling. Seek prompt assessment for one swollen leg, calf pain, warmth or redness. Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, fainting or chest pain. Blood-pressure symptoms after birth should be checked even if the operation itself went smoothly.

Ask whether your blood pressure should be checked, how much walking is suitable and which changes require a review. You can also ask how your medicines, wound recovery and follow-up plan affect activity and swelling.