Foot care and Pregnancy

Health Guides
Foot care and Pregnancy
Foot Care

You have just found out that your bundle of joy is on its way and life turns over a whole new leaf for the mother-to-be. The body changes in structure, undergoes a lot of hormonal variations and gains a lot of weight.

At the receiving end of this rigmarole are your poor feet! With your baby on the way, it is imperative for you to take care of your feet during the entire term of pregnancy.

Some women might experience swelling in their feet and an increased shoe size due to the hormones relaxing and progesterone in the body, which causes the tendons of the feet to stretch and also loosen hip ligaments. The other most common foot conditions experienced by pregnant women are :

• Overpronation

• Oedema (Edema): A term that refer to the swollen feet condition that usually occurs during the last few months of pregnancy.

• Plantar fasciitis

• Varicose veins: This term refers to the veins, mostly on the back of legs and on the heels near ankles, which enlarge and become twisted due to various reasons including added extra weight during pregnancy.

Relieve those tired, aching feet

Move it

During a normal course of healthy pregnancy, women can gain about 20 pounds or approximately up to 10 kg of weight, a majority of which is constituted by fluid volume alone. These fluids collect in your feet if you stand or sit for a long period of time at a stretch. The only way to push these fluids back to where they belong is to walk. Also, exercise regularly to improve circulation.

Put the stilettos away

Since your centre of gravity has shifted due to the added weight, you have to be very careful about your footwear. Comfort, support and stability are the topmost priorities while choosing shoes. This is the time to stack away your snazzy platforms, clog heels and pencil sharp stilettos and slip into something more comfortable – preferably, sneakers. And, if you must wear heels, then keep them as low as possible.

Don’t prance around barefoot

Again, you might jeopardise your stability. Wear comfortable socks and shoes that are spacious and do not restrict the feet. Slip-ons and flip-flops do not give enough support to the feet; instead try tie-ons, they are better.

Watch those feet

Elevate your feet when you sit, or lie down – preferably on your left side, if it works for you. Get a foot rub to improve circulation. Also, regularly measure your feet as your pregnancy progresses. The shoes that fit you in the first trimester might seem a bit smaller later. In most cases, the foot size returns to normal after delivery (postpartum).

Drink to your health

The reference here is to fluids – excluding alcohol. Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water everyday, in addition to the other liquids. This will contribute to your baby’s need and your bodily need for water and help flush out the toxins.

No pantyhose

Trade your trendy pantyhose for medical support hose, which are knitted specifically to control the excess fluids in your legs and thereby, prevent varicose veins. It is a myth that pantyhose support circulation.

Note of caution

Mild swelling occurs in most cases. However, if the swelling on your feet is intense, it might indicate high blood pressure or preeclampsia, a condition caused by narrowing of blood vessels, unique to pregnancy. If, besides feet, you have swelling on your hands and face, or/and if you experience sudden weight gain, headaches and changes in the vision, consult a doctor.

You may not be able to see your feet due to your protruding belly, but that should not be a reason to ignore them. Pamper your feet, for pregnancy is the only time the woman gets to relax like a queen. And what happens when the little one arrives? Well, you know! The baby will keep you on your toes. So, why not make the most of it while you can.