Podiatry and Pregnancy: Navigating Foot Changes During Maternity

Pregnancy and being pregnant are life-changing events for any person, and your feet will also change during this miraculous journey. Oftentimes, a growing belly and hormone changes are more acknowledged than the rapid changes in your feet while one goes through pregnancy. Taking care of your feet is vital during this transformational time and should be a priority for the sake of your health. Everything from how you walk to how your foot arch is supported is changing and altering. Throughout this, we will discuss the various changes in your podiatric health and some tips to help you through this transformational time.

First of all, we must address and understand what changes during this time of pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is an influx of hormone changes, causing one’s body to become more flexible and easier to stretch to help prepare for birth. While these hormone changes are necessary for the pelvic region to give birth, these hormones also affect one’s feet, causing less arch support. In combination with the increase in weight and the surplus of these hormones which causes your muscles and ligaments to relax, which causes an increase in pressure on your feet. This increase in pressure leads to muscle strains and foot pain to occur. Along with the straining of your muscles and rise of potential foot pain, you are more susceptible to plantar fasciitis. Swelling is also a normal occurrence during the time of pregnancy. Your feet also become wider and longer after pregnancy, causing permanent changes to your feet postpartum. The way you walk changes throughout pregnancy as well, to help support your growing belly, one may begin to walk with a leaned-back posture. It is clear that during pregnancy, not only is your life changing, but your feet are as well. Do not fret; we have some great ways to ease this stress off you and your feet.

What to do for your feet when you are expecting:

Ensure you have comfortable footwear, look for shoes with good cushioning, proper arch support, and a low heel to prevent further pressure. To accommodate swelling, consider looking for shoes with a wide toe box.
Do what you can to stay active, walking or swimming are great ways for one to promote circulation and promote your overall health
Soak and massage your feet when experiencing discomfort, this can help relieve tension in your feet as well as assist with swelling
Stay hydrated as much as you can; staying hydrated helps you with a decrease in fluid retention. Fluid retention is a cause of foot swelling.
Check-in with your podiatrist over any foot concerns in a prompt manner. If one is experiencing persistent foot pain or other podiatric concerns, make an appointment with your podiatrist and get professional medical advice.

While no two pregnancies are alike, these issues and changes in your feet are common occurrences in your feet. Structural and hormonal changes can permanently alter your feet throughout pregnancy. However, you shouldn’t worry! taking these simple steps and maintaining your feet’ health will ensure that these changes during your life go with as much ease as possible. Prioritize wearing proper footwear, soaking your feet, and staying active with light exercise, which will help with many issues and changes. Always check in with your podiatrist for advice pertaining to your specific needs during pregnancy. Pregnancy can lead to many changes, and these simple tips and tricks will ensure you take the right steps!

Websites used:

https://www.clarkpodiatry.com/pregnancy-and-foot-pain-how-mothers-to-be-can-relieve-aching-feet/

https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/6-things-know-about-your-feet-during-pregnancy