What You Need to Know about Your Feet When Your Pregnant
There are many, many changes that will occur in your life once you find out you are pregnant.
Your feet, however, are probably not one of the first things you think about when you get this amazing news.
Now I know that as a Podiatrist I am biased towards feet, however, your feet are really important during your pregnancy and even more so after your baby arrives.
Here are some of the most important foot changes you need to be aware of during your pregnancy
Your Ligaments Soften During Pregnancy
The levels of the hormone Relaxin (present in both women and men) becomes greatly elevated during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, its role it to soften the pubis symphysis (the ligament that holds the left and right side of the front of the pelvis together) to allow the baby to pass through the pelvis into the birth canal.
Relaxing however does not just affect the pelvis ligaments; it affects all the ligaments in the body including those in the feet.
As the ligament in the feet soften if is quite common for the shape and size of your foot to change.
These changes can cause foot and leg pain as well as difficulties in fitting into your existing footwear.
Additionally, these changes may exacerbate any pre-existing foot problems or foot deformities you had before you became pregnant.
It’s so important to take care of yourself during your pregnancy and to take care of your feet.
Weight Gain
During pregnancy weight gain normally occurs due to the growth of your baby, increased blood volume and the natural retention of fluid.
This increase in weight can significantly affect your comfort levels and, in combination with softened ligaments, can greatly increase the risk of pain developing in your feet.
You will often require more supportive shoes and possibly orthoses during your pregnancy.
Foot Pain Stops You Exercising
It is really important to continue exercising during your pregnancy to maintain your health and your baby’s health.
Foot pain can considerably slow you down and limit your ability to stay active and ward off conditions like gestational diabetes.
Top 5 Foot Tips For When you Are Pregnant
- Wear appropriate shoes for your foot size and shape, even if this means buying a new pair of ‘pregnancy’ shoes.
- Do exercise that produces less impact on the feet like swimming, brisk walking, yoga and Pilates.
- Orthoses can be used to mechanically support the foot when the ligaments lengthen and stretch during pregnancy
- Strength training is important as if the ligaments become weakened, you need strong muscles to help stabilise the joints about the feet, knees and hips.
- The feet need some loving. Spend some time every day with your feet elevated to help reduce swelling and if you have someone who can give them a gentle massage each day, all the better.
It’s so important to take care of yourself during your pregnancy and to take care of your feet.
When a baby comes along, you’re going to need them!
If foot or leg pain develops during your pregnancy, or even if you need help getting your nails trimmed, come see the Podiatrists at Complete Podiatry.
Contact us on 8330 0004 or Book Online
I would love to talk to you about how we can help you build an amazing life from the feet up.
Anthony Robinson
Director of Complete Podiatry