Taking Care of Your Feet While Pregnant

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It's a wonderful time to get pregnant, but it can also mean some uncomfortable changes to your body. Below, we discuss how pregnancy might affect your feet, and what you can do to make sure they stay healthy during pregnancy.

When I'm pregnant, will my feet experience any changes?

How to change the size of your shoes

People with children will tell you that it is not uncommon for their feet to grow during pregnancy. It happens for a number of reasons. It occurs because the weight of carrying a baby puts a lot of pressure on your arches, causing your feet to flatten out and become longer. The hormone relaxin is released during pregnancy to loosen ligaments in your pelvis in preparation for delivery. It also loosens ligaments in your feet. Because of the stretching of their bones, pregnant women's feet can grow half or a full size during pregnancy!

Overpronation of the foot

Because of the weight of the baby, your feet may also roll inward, or overpronate. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia (the ligament that runs from the heel to the arch) is placed under pressure, resulting in pain and difficulty walking.

Swelling Increases

A second-trimester pregnant woman may be familiar with swelling in her feet and ankles! The body produces extra fluid during pregnancy to support the baby's growth. Due to gravity, your lower extremities can accumulate this extra fluid. The expanding uterus can also put pressure on your veins, causing your feet and ankles to have a harder time returning blood to your heart. During pregnancy, if you are on your feet a lot or the weather is hot, you may experience swelling.

How Should I Take Care Of My Feet During Pregnancy?

1. Supportive shoes

In order to protect your feet during pregnancy, you need to wear supportive shoes. You should choose shoes with strong arch support and ones that can accommodate swelling (like laces and a wide opening). During pregnancy, custom orthotics can be used to help you support your feet. They will help you counteract the increased weight on your feet by using them. During pregnancy, if you have plantar fasciitis or excessive overpronation, this may be a great idea.

2. Compression stockings

In compression stockings, gentle pressure on your legs counters gravity so that blood can return to your heart. Your veins counter gravity with gentle pressure. The slight pressure helps your veins counter gravity. If you are experiencing swelling in your feet and ankles during pregnancy, we will be glad to help you find the right level of compression at the All-In-One Foot Care Center!

You can learn more about compression stockings during pregnancy, as well as how they can keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and pain-free.

3. Site Elevation

The best way to relieve the fluid that has accumulated in your lower body is to sit down with your feet elevated above your hips for most of the day. By elevating your feet while applying a cold compress, you can even assist the draining process.

4. Exercises With Light Intensity

The best way to take care of your feet during pregnancy is to stay active because it improves circulation and provides your body with the strength it needs to support you and your baby. You can take short walks around your neighborhood, do some light conditioning exercises, or try pregnancy yoga to take care of your feet. Flexing your foot and doing other small exercises can also help to reduce fluid buildup in your stressed arches.

You can contact our office at 949-588-8833 , or visit our website at https://www.ocfootdoctor.com/ Our offices are located in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch, and Costa Mesa.