Leg pain

Leg pain after childbirth: Fatigue, swelling, or something more serious?

Leg pain and heaviness are common complaints in the postpartum period. Your legs have endured a huge load during pregnancy, and they need time to recover. In most cases this discomfort is harmless, but sometimes it can signal serious conditions.

Benign causes of pain

• Swelling. Postpartum swelling can be even stronger than during pregnancy. The body gets rid of excess fluid, part of which temporarily accumulates in the legs, causing a feeling of tightness and heaviness.
• Muscle fatigue. The leg muscles were overexerted during delivery and now hurt like after an intense workout.
• Varicose veins. If you had varicose veins during pregnancy, they can cause a throbbing pain in the postpartum period.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A dangerous condition to be aware of

Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, most often in the calf or thigh. The risk of DVT increases significantly during pregnancy and in the first 6 weeks after delivery due to changes in the blood‑clotting system.

Symptoms of DVT that require immediate medical attention:

• Pain, swelling, redness and a feeling of warmth only in one leg (usually in the calf).
• Pain worsens with walking or standing.
• Sometimes enlarged veins can be seen on the affected leg.

DVT is dangerous because the clot can break off and travel with the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary artery embolism—a life‑threatening condition. Therefore any unilateral leg pain and swelling is a reason for emergency medical care.