Pregnancy and Your Feet
Pregnancy does result in a host of foot related problems. The reason your feet will be affected by your pregnancy is not because your belly gets lower, but because of the water retention and weight gain you experience. You may notice that your back curves as your belly grows. This puts a lot of stress on your fragile toes. Some women may find they gain at least ½ a shoe size for each of their pregnancies. That is not good news for those who prize the delicacy of their pretty feet.
You may also notice that you are losing your arch. This is a common complaint of pregnant women. Those high arches you proudly slipped into your deliciously high heels will become a thing of the past once they get taste of the load they have to carry for the next nine months.
Swelling of the ankles is another side effect of pregnancy that can cause you to feel uncomfortable and cranky. It’s not as if you don’t have as much water in your body when you’re not pregnant, but the water typically shifts to other areas during pregnancy, specifically your feet and ankles and often your hands and fingers.
Take extra care of your feet during this time. Soak them in warm soapy water scented with fragrant bath salts, and wear comfortable shoes that will give you extra support so that you can lessen the effects of your increased weight on your feet. Have a regular pedicure. Treat your feet to some tender loving care. They are doing a lot more work than you realize, and will appreciate the extra care they receive!
To learn more about the problems you may face with your feet and how to take care them, check out Pregnancy and Your Feet.
Filed under: Pregnancy Tests & Symptoms, Uncategorized
