How To Care For Your Feet During Pregnancy

More often than not, foot and back care during pregnancy is neglected. Proper care is usually only sought towards the end of the term when the women can no longer reach their feet, and their backs begin seizing. Luckily, there are many chiropractors out there who specialise in back and skeletal problems associated with pregnancy, including pre and post-partum. 

Many changes will occur when carrying a life inside of your body. However, these problems can easily be managed with little thought and planning.

What are these changes? 

In total, pregnancy lasts nine months, so it is expected that a few hormonal changes will occur within this time. Unfortunately, along with these grievances come pain throughout the back and feet, which is usually ignored. 

Furthermore, a woman's centre of gravity usually alters during pregnancy due to natural weight gain. This leads to a new weight-bearing stance, leaning backwards to counter-balance the swelling abdomen, adding pressure in the back, knees and feet. 

In addition, many women will also experience leg cramping and varicose veins, primarily due to temporary weight gain. Therefore, it would be wise to gain some knowledge regarding back and foot pain to make your nine months more comfortable. 

Back and foot care is vital during this period, and sometimes something as simple as exercises or a set of orthotics can bring relief and keep you on track with your day-to-day tasks. 

What are some common foot problems? 

During pregnancy, a hormone known as relaxin is produced by the ovaries and placenta. This hormone has essential effects on the female reproductive system in preparation for childbirth, including relaxing the ligaments in the pelvis to facilitate birth. 

Due to the above, back and hip pain can increase, leading to soreness when walking or standing. Many chiropractors are incredibly familiar with this and can provide a great deal of advice regarding treatment and management.

Relaxin also relaxes ligaments in the feet, adding to changes, including pain and broadening of the foot. It is ideal to seek out a podiatrist like ourselves during this period as often changes to the feet during pregnancy can become permanent; therefore, it is vital to search for treatment and management solutions. 

Common foot problems during pregnancy:

• Over-pronation (rolling the foot inwards)

• Oedema (swelling)

• Calluses

• Corns

• Flat arches or feet

These issues develop due to increased pressure and friction. However, they are easily managed in the comfort of your own home with exercise, stretching and primary foot care. If you experience any of these issues, you should visit a podiatrist. We will be able to accurately assess the cause of your foot problems or discomfort and help ease the pain with a variety of treatment methods, such as orthotic shoe inserts and general foot care maintenance tasks like removing corns and hard skin.

Why do your feet swell during pregnancy?

There are a couple of reasons that your feet might swell during pregnancy. As we mentioned previously, the hormone relaxin eases tension in the ligaments in your feet and can cause them to widen and appear swollen. Also, if you are pregnant, your body will naturally retain more water; over time, this water will drain to the lowest part of your body, especially if you've been on your feet all day. 

A more sudden increase in swelling when pregnant could be an early sign of pre-eclampsia, and you should visit your GP as soon as possible. 

There are some things you can do to ease the tension of swelling feet and make life more comfortable when pregnant:

• Avoid being on your feet for long periods of time. This one may seem obvious, but it's often missed. Don't underestimate the power of a good rest. Rest with your feet elevated as much as possible, especially when you get to the later terms of pregnancy.

• Wear comfortable and supportive shoes and socks. Try to avoid anything tight-fitting with a strap or something that may pinch if your feet do swell.

• Drink plenty of water to help flush out the excess water content in your body.

• Exercise, but don't overdo it. Take regular, small-duration walks to help keep your blood flowing. 

If you're concerned about your foot health during pregnancy or even just want a little pampering on your feet, contact us today! We will be happy to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you wear high heels during pregnancy?

  Even when not pregnant, podiatrists advise that high heels are worn sparingly as they can injure your feet and do not provide a good level of support. When pregnant, this is no different, but you should be more aware that in the later stages of pregnancy, your centre of gravity will be different to normal and will affect your balance. This could lead to a trip or fall and serious injury, so it's best not to risk it.

• How often should I have my feet checked by a podiatrist during pregnancy?

  While there is no set-in-stone amount for how often you should visit a podiatrist during pregnancy, regular check-ups will not hurt. By including a podiatrist in your check-up routine, you could save yourself some of the pain and discomfort that comes along with being pregnant. We can help to ease the pain of swelling feet & ankles and assist in making it more comfortable for you to walk with your new centre of gravity and altered gait pattern.

• Can pregnancy affect the size and shape of my feet permanently?

  The short answer is yes. Your feet may not inherently change their size or get more prominent, but the ligaments surrounding your feet and ankle may become looser and, in turn, cause your feet to become flatter or a slightly different shape. If this happens, try to avoid squeezing into your old shoes that may no longer fit well, and treat yourself to a newer, more comfortable pair.