The Effects of Pregnancy on Your Feet

During pregnancy, how should your feet be treated?

During pregnancy, a woman's body will undergo many changes, including changes to her feet. Because of this, a pregnant woman must take special care of her feet during pregnancy.

It's fascinating how a pregnant woman's body changes during pregnancy. For instance, did you know her feet become wider and longer due to her ligaments becoming more flexible to prepare for childbirth? Tips and tricks to keep your feet healthy during pregnancy are provided by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Edema

When you are pregnant, your body produces an excess of blood and fluid, which causes swelling, as well as your baby compressing your blood vessels. During pregnancy, edema in the feet and ankles can make it difficult to walk and stand comfortably. How can you reduce swelling and keep your feet feeling comfortable during pregnancy?

Compression stockings can help relieve swelling; supportive shoes, orthotics, and compression stockings can provide much-needed arch support and help distribute weight more evenly.
Try exercises like elliptical training if you already have painful swelling in your feet. The more active you are, the more blood flows out of your feet and ankles and into the rest of your body.
Eat less salt and drink more water. You are what you eat, and even small dietary changes can significantly improve your health. Salt can cause your body to retain fluids, while water can flush them out.
Take a break when you feel like it. Pregnancy can be tiring, so you've earned some R&R, right? You should elevate your feet when you're resting to reduce swelling too.
Don't be afraid to rest when you feel that you have overdone it. You are the expert on your body, so trust your instincts.

Overpronation

The normal walking pattern requires the foot to pronate and flatten its arch so that it can adjust to the ground surfaces and absorb shock. As the baby's weight increases, the arches flatten, causing the feet to roll in and cause overpronation, which is common in pregnancy. The plantar fascia, the tissues lining your feet, can become stretched if you overpronate. Overpronation and plantar fasciitis can lead to painful inflammation in the heel and foot called plantar fasciitis. How can you prevent it?

You should monitor your weight throughout your pregnancy. Overpronation is most likely caused by weight gain, so follow your obstetrician's guidelines.

If you're going to be carrying extra weight and pressure for nine months, make sure your shoes have thicker soles and plenty of cushioning. Avoid thin-soled shoes, such as flip-flops and ballet flats. It's important to remember that shoes should bend only at the ball of the foot.

Fun Pregnancy Facts

During pregnancy, women's feet usually become wider and longer, and those measurements remain the same after delivery.
Waddling is normal! It is actually due to the fact that your joints become more relaxed.
To accommodate the increase in blood volume, your heart may also grow.

It is important to care for the feet during pregnancy. A podiatrist should be seen for any issues with the feet or ankles during pregnancy. If you are experiencing any pain in your feet, don’t hesitate to make an appointment.

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

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The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals before starting any new treatment. Health information on this website MUST NOT be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of your doctor.