As a mother-to-be, you are most likely experiencing a broad range of emotions, from joy to excitement to anxiety. Additionally, you will notice some of the obvious effects that pregnancy has on your body, including morning sickness; heightened sense of smell; odd food cravings; and the obvious weight gain. Accompanying such symptoms are also changes in your foot health.
While dramatic weight gain in general can lead to foot problems, the dramatically difference in the center-of-gravity causes many pregnant women modify their stance or gait. The added pressure to the knees and the feet cause aches and pains in the arch, heel, and ball of the foot. Other problems resulting from weight gain during pregnancy include leg cramping and varicose veins. Luckily, with a little bit of information and prevention, you can take some steps to make your pregnancy a bit more comfortable.
Over-pronation (Flat Feet)
Over-pronation occurs when a person’s arches flatten out due to excessive inward rolling when walking. This can be quite painful, as the flattening of the arch causes stress and inflammation of the plantar fascia – the connective tissue that runs from the heel to the forefoot. This generally occurs in people who are overweight or obese, or in pregnant women due to weight gain. Problems due to over-pronation may also extend to the calves, hips, and lower back. One very simple method for prevention and treatment of over-pronation is to wear specialized footwear; retailers like Dr. Scholl’s and Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis sell orthotics that aid in naturally aligning your walk and stature.
Edema
Edema, also known as swelling of the feet, is another common symptom experienced by women in the later months of pregnancy. This swelling occurs because the enlarged uterus adds pressure to the blood vessels of the pelvis and the legs, which slows down circulation and causes blood to pool in the lower extremities. The total amount of water fluid in the body remains the same, but becomes displaced. The feet and lower legs may even turn a purplish color due to the swelling. If there is extra water retention, this can cause additional swelling in the feet and lower legs. To treat edema, elevate the feet regularly. If you are sitting for a long period of time, keep an extra chair or a small stool nearby to prop up your feet. Take breaks from sitting to walk around and stretch out your feet and calves to increase the circulation to this area. Be sure to wear shoes that fit properly so they do not constrict your blood vessels further. The same goes for your socks – look for seamless socks that won’t cut off your circulation. Keep in mind that your shoe size is likely to change throughout your pregnancy. Take regular walks on a daily basis, and be sure to stretch. Swimming is another great method for dealing with your edema symptoms, or immersing your body in a cool bath. The pressure of the water on your skin reduces swelling. Try to steer clear or reduce the amount of foods you eat that are high in salt, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated – this will help to reduce your levels of water retention.
Pregnancy is a joyful time, but it can be rough on your body, especially your feet. As your belly gets bigger, they will be less accessible to you, so make it a point to pamper them. Indulge in pedicures, foot massages, and footbaths.
