You may be able to minimize swelling after a c-section by elevating your swollen extremities, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and drinking lots of water. If your abdominal area is swollen from gas, which is a typical side effect of having any type of abdominal surgery, you might be able to relieve some of that by walking around. It may be best to stay off of your swollen legs, ankles, and feet after a c-section because standing in one spot for long periods of time could make swelling in those areas worse. Even though water pills may be helpful for swelling as well, but you should take these only if your doctor advises it.
Swollen legs, feet, and ankles are common after the majority of c-sections, and the best way to deal with this may be to keep your legs elevated. Make sure that your legs are either at or above the same level as your heart so that the fluid can travel downward, away from the feet. You can elevate your feet for 20 minutes at a time, taking breaks to get up and walk around after each 20-minute elevation period. Mixing some movement in with elevating your feet may be helpful because the movement should get the excess fluid circulating throughout your body. Walking around might also help to get rid of abdominal gas buildup, which is a common problem after surgery.
In addition to elevating your lower extremities, you should also try to avoid tight-fitting clothing if you want to avoid swelling after a c-section. Clothes that are too tight might make any swelling you have worse because the constriction of the clothes could negatively affect circulation. If you are experiencing postpartum swelling, you should wear loose shirts, pants, and shoes to prevent this problem. You may want to consider not wearing shoes or socks at all if you don't have to leave your home for any reason.
Another way to minimize swelling after a c-section is by drinking lots of water. The more water you take in, the more excess fluid you will likely flush out. You might end up having to make frequent trips to the bathroom as a result of doing this, but regular water intake should drastically improve your swelling. Even though it may be tempting, try to avoid taking any water pills to get rid of your swelling, particularly if you are breastfeeding, because the pills can reduce your milk supply. If you've just had a baby and are suffering from swelling after a c-section, ask your doctor if she would recommend water pills before taking them.
