Pregnancy & Feet

Pregnant women experience many changes throughout their body and the feet are no exception. Pregnancy triggers many different changes in a woman's body with many women having common complaints throughout their pregnancy. One of these complaints, often overlooked, is foot pain.

Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnant woman are flat feet (over-pronation) and swelling (edema). These problems can lead to swollen feet as well as ingrown toenails,  pain at the heel, arch, or the ball-of-foot. Many women may also experience hot feet, leg cramping and varicose veins due to weight gain. Because of this, it is important for all pregnant women to learn more about foot health during their pregnancy to help make this nine month period more comfortable for them.

Foot Pain & Flat Feet
The most obvious and common change is to experience foot pain. This may range from being a dull ache or lead to more serious and difficult to manage pain. Increases in weight may mean that your feet are not used to carrying the extra kilos and may grow tired more quickly. Changes in posture and balance may result in the foot changing the way in which it would normally function, and flat feet may be experienced.

Flat feet, other wise known as over-pronation, is caused when a person's arch flatten on weight bearing causing their feet roll inward when walking. Over-pronation can make walking very painful and can increase strain on the feet, calves and/or back. The reason many pregnant women suffer from over-pronation is related to hormones and the added pressure on the body as a result of weight gain. Over-pronation is also very prominent in people who have flexible, flat feet or in people who are obese.

In some cases, flat feet can create extreme stress or inflammation on the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis), the fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel to the forefoot and other structures of the foot. If your are experiencing problems due to over-pronation it is important that you treat it not only for pain relief but also to prevent other foot conditions from developing such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Post-Tib Tendonitis and/or Bunions.

Over-Pronation can be treated conservatively with either custom or "ready-made" orthotics. These orthotics should be designed with appropriate arch support and medial rearfoot posting to correct the over-pronation and can be purchased from your podiatrist. Proper fitting footwear is also very important in treating over-pronation. Choose comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption.

Hot and Swollen Feet
Swellling in the feet other wise referred to as oedema, normally occurs in the latter part of pregnancy due to a number of changes that occur with in the body. Increased blood volume, extra pressure on the blood vessels in the legs and pelvis and increased water retention all have an effect.

Hot and burning sensations in the feet are also very common in pregnancy, not only due to a sudden increase in weight and swelling, but because of hormonal changes that cause a slight increase in body temperature. Many pregnant women report that their feet can become hot and irritable as they grow tired even leading to a loss of sleep in extreme cases.

Edema in the feet can be minimized by the following methods:
- Elevate your feet as often as possible. If you have to sit for long periods of time, place a small stool by your      feet to elevate them.
- Wear proper fitting footwear. Footwear that is too narrow or short will constrict circulation.
- Have your feet measured several times throughout your pregnancy. They will probably change sizes.
- Wear seamless socks that do not constrict circulation.
- If you are driving for a long period of time, take regular breaks to stretch your legs to promote circulation.
- Exercise regularly to promote overall health; walking is the best exercise.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. This helps the body retain less fluid.
- Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in salt that can cause water retention.

Cooling foot gels, foot spas and regular bathing of the feet, followed by wearing open toed shoes when able will help to keep feet feeling cool and refreshed, with the aim of aiding a good night’s sleep.

Foot Wear
Comfort is of the essence when you are pregnant, in order to ensure a smooth and enjoyable pregnancy, so good quality and comfortable footwear is essential. If your job requires you to wear heels, try a lower heel or wear flat shoes. Your employers have a legal responsibility to safeguard your health and well being and must allow for these modifications

Foot Care
Due to the additional stress put on feet during pregnancy, hard skin (callus) often results. Many women enjoy the chance to sit back and have their feet pampered at these times. However, callus should be treated by a registered Podiatrist if required to make sure you don't get any infections that could impact your health. The advantage of seeing a podiatrist is that whilst there you can also safely have your nails done which is always greatly appreciated when your feet become harder to reach. See our Podiatry spa website for ways you can pamper yourself whilst pregnant.