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Pregnancy and postpartum · South Berkeley
Manual Lymph Drainage During Pregnancy and After Birth. Swollen legs are common. You do not have to just live with them.
This is a simple part of my practice. Most people come because their legs or feet are swollen and uncomfortable during pregnancy, or because fluid still feels stuck after birth. Many are sent by a midwife or acupuncturist who knows lymphatic work may help.
- Common reason
- Swollen legs in pregnancy
- Also
- Abdominal fluid after birth
- Often via
- A midwife or acupuncturist referral
- First step
- A free phone call with me
The two things people come for
During pregnancy and after.
During pregnancy, the most common reason people call me is swelling in the legs and feet. By the third trimester it can be very uncomfortable. Gentle lymphatic work may help the fluid move and make your legs feel lighter.
After birth, fluid may feel as though it is sitting in the abdomen. I use the same gentle method, with a different focus for your body then.
For most people, this is short-term support for a specific problem. We help the swelling, then you get back to a life that is already very full.
What to know
Gentle, small, and specific.
This page is about ordinary pregnancy or postpartum swelling. Your medical provider decides what needs attention.
Swollen legs and feet
This is the most common reason people come, and the legs often feel lighter after gentle work.
Abdominal fluid afterwards
A full or heavy feeling in the abdomen that has not settled on its own.
Hands and fingers
Puffy hands and tight rings. Often improves quickly.
Positioning
You will be side-lying and supported. I change the position whenever you need me to.
If it happened last time
Tell me if you had major swelling in a previous pregnancy. It still matters, even if it was years ago.
Rest
Many people fall asleep. At this stage, that hour of real rest may be what you need.
One thing to check first
Talk with your care provider.
Tell your midwife, obstetrician, or doctor that you are considering lymphatic drainage, then tell me what they said. They know your pregnancy and medical history. I only know what you tell me.
Sudden or severe swelling, especially in the face or hands, or swelling with a headache or vision changes, needs medical attention. Call your provider that day instead of booking with me.
After birth, timing depends on recovery. After a C-section or complication, ask your provider.
Worth saying plainly
Where my work ends.
Sudden swelling is medical
Sudden swelling in the face or hands, especially with a headache or vision changes, means calling your provider that day.
I am not a prenatal specialist
I specialize in lymphatic work. I do not manage your pregnancy or postpartum medical care.
I do not know your pregnancy
Your provider knows your pregnancy. Follow their instructions.
I cannot tell you what is normal
They can. I can help after your provider clears you.
Before you call
Questions people ask me.
Is lymphatic drainage safe during pregnancy?
It may be appropriate in a straightforward pregnancy, and the work is very gentle. Ask your midwife or doctor first because they know your situation, then tell me what they said.
Can it help swollen legs?
Yes, that is the most common reason people come. Many notice that their legs feel lighter after the appointment, though every body responds differently.
What position will I be in?
You will be side-lying and supported. We change position whenever you need, and comfort comes first.
How soon after birth can I come?
It depends on how you are recovering. If you had a C-section, heavy bleeding, high blood pressure, or another complication, ask your provider before you come.
My legs swelled in my last pregnancy. Does that mean anything?
It is worth mentioning because your past pattern helps me understand how your body handles fluid. Tell me how severe the swelling was, when it began, and whether anyone evaluated it before.
When should I call my doctor instead?
Call your provider that day for sudden or severe swelling, especially in your face or hands, or swelling with a headache or vision changes. Do not book with me first.
You may also want
These may help too.
The next step
Tell me what is swollen.
Set up a free 15-minute call and tell me how far along you are, or how long ago you gave birth, where you are swollen, and what your provider has said. I will tell you whether this is something I can help with.