Very swollen everything

[Fae1989]

Hi all. I had my baby three days ago via forceps delivery. Ever since I’ve had awfully swollen ankles and legs. I’m wearing compression stockings but they’re digging in terribly and I have to wear them for 6 weeks. I look like the Michelin man! Has anyone experienced this before? I’ve got a bit rivet in my calf where the stocking has dug in.

When is your midwife due to visit next? I would definitely mention it.

Are you quite active? I had forceps too but I don't remember being badly swollen. I only wore them for a couple of days as my midwife said the best thing was to keep active every hour (not easy when you feel like you've been torn in two)

Drink lots of water. Tonnes.

I had this after my section and I'm sure it was water retention as I lost seven pound in one day when I started to gouge the water down!

I'd ring your midwife as swelling always must be checked just in case it something more serious

Thanks guys. I was told by midwives in hospital that swelling is normal and that it wasn’t pitting (whether or not it is now is a different story!) and they didn’t seem to care about it. Apparently swelling after having a baby is totally normal! I’m tempted
to leave them off for a night and see if they go down. I’ve only just been discharged. I did suffer tears and had an episiotomy so I wonder if that’s why I needed the longer time with them on!

I’m so worried :(

Will deffo get on the water though,
If my tears can handle the multiple wees!!

Compression stockings are worn for 6 weeks after birth if you’re at risk of developing DVT. Risks include being over weight, being a smoker, having a close relative with blood clots/or you’ve had one previously, have problems with your blood clotting, have had a very long labour (more than 24 hours) or have had a caesarean section, lost a lot of blood after you have had your baby or receive a blood transfusion.

If the stockings are digging in you need to pull them up from your ankles to your knees. If you can’t pull them up they are too small.

If you’ve got pain or redness as well as the swelling in your calves you need to ring the hospital and get checked out as it might be DVT. Either way I’d ring the hospital for advice.

The second two factors you
Mentioned apply to me, I lost a litre.

The issue is my legs are that swollen that I can’t bring them up to my knees (presume they were measured before I swelled that much and got rushed to theatre). The midwives on the ward checked and they didn’t seem concerned, just said that If they dig in they’re probably rolled down.

I’ve not got pain or redness
That I can see.

Hmm that doesn’t sound right at all. Can you give the community midwives a call in the morning?

I’ve had two babies, including one caesarean, and no one ever told me that swelling was normal, let alone severe swelling. I think you need to be checked over.

Swelling during and after pregnancy is common as the body retains extra fluid to increase blood volume, after giving birth the extra fluid is either expelled through urine or sweat but can also leak into the tissue of the legs/ankles, hands and feet and causes the swelling and takes about a week to disappear.

As long as you’ve got no pain or redness in your calves it’s totally normal and should get better after a week. Drink plenty of water and elevate your legs above the level or your heat bar raise your arms above your head if it’s in your hands.

Sorry that should say.

Drink plenty of water and elevate your legs above the level or your heart and raise your arms above your head if you’ve got swelling in your hands.

It sounds like the stockings are too small and you need a bigger size. Not sure if your community midwife will have any stockings though as they give them out in hospital. I’d perhaps try calling the postnatal ward and ask if you can get some new ones.

Also I’d take them off if they’re too small as if they’re digging in they’re defeating the purpose of using them. Just make sure you keep mobile and walk around and not sat for too long.

Were you given saline drips during labour? I had bags of the stuff and feet and legs swelled up terribly post-labour. It gradually reduced over the first week, I did find it uncomfortable and could feel the pressure.

Would defo get it checked over by midwife though for peace of mind. Hope you're feeling better soon OP

Thanks ladies. Great advice!

Yeah, i had boat loads of fluid in labour.

I’ve had them off for a few hours and they already feel better!