What Causes Feet to Change During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your feet, like the rest of your body, undergo significant changes. The hormone relaxin is produced to loosen your joints and ligaments, including those in your feet, to help accommodate the growing baby.
Along with hormonal changes, the extra weight gained during pregnancy also affects your feet. As your ligaments and joints loosen, the added weight creates additional pressure, further exacerbating these changes.
Increased blood volume is another factor that impacts your feet which can result in swelling in your feet.
If you're noticing changes in your feet, you're not alone. One study found that 60-70% of pregnant women reported noticeable changes to their feet, which often continued even after childbirth.
Do Feet Expand During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the hormones your body produces help relax your joints and pelvis to prepare for delivery. However, these hormones also cause your feet to expand, which can lead to swollen feet and ankles, flattened arches, and a change in shoe size. For many women, the combination of pregnancy hormones and weight gain results in larger feet. In fact, one study found that by week 38 of pregnancy, women's foot size had increased by about 12%. To accommodate this, it's a good idea to invest in comfortable, supportive shoes that are about a half size larger than your usual size. The good news is that these changes to your arches and foot size typically occur only during your first pregnancy, so you’re unlikely to experience another shoe size increase in future pregnancies.
Due to pregnancy hormones, your arch height may decrease during pregnancy, and this change could potentially be permanent. As your arch lowers, you might develop flat feet, where the arch of your foot touches the ground instead of being slightly elevated. Flat feet or low arches are commonly associated with the following issues:
- Heel pain (plantar fasciitis) or arch pain
- Swelling along the inside of the ankle
- Increased knee and hip discomfort
Do Pregnancy-Related Foot Changes Last?
Flattened arches can become a lasting issue that develops during pregnancy. However, it remains one of the most common foot problems postpartum, even after you've lost the pregnancy weight. Scientific research has proven that “pregnancy appears to be associated with a persistent loss of arch height and rigidity as well as greater arch drop and foot lengthening,” particularly during the first pregnancy.
How you can Relieve your Feet During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause changes to your feet that may lead to discomfort, making it important to take proper care of them. To keep your feet feeling their best throughout pregnancy:
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Keep a healthy weight: Extra weight adds pressure to your feet. It can cause your arches to flatten and your feet to increase in size by up to a shoe size. Staying at a healthy weight will help minimize this impact.
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Do not wear high heels: High heels put unnecessary pressure on your feet. Opt for shoes with lower heels (1 to 2 inches) or flat shoes to provide more comfort.
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Select cushioned footwear: Although ballet flats and flip-flops may seem comfortable initially, they don’t offer the support your feet require. Choose shoes with thicker soles for added cushioning throughout the day.
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Give your arches support: Adding insoles to your shoes, or wearing orthotic shoes will provide the necessary arch support your feet. They will stay comfortable and well-supported.
How can orthopedic shoes help during Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your weight increases, which affects your balance and adds extra pressure on your hips, knees, ankles, and feet as you walk. Our Protetika orthopedic sandals are designed to provide the essential arch support your feet need. They help to alleviate discomfort and prevent overpronation.
Our sandals offer firm, comfortable support for your changing feet, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout your pregnancy. Finding the right footwear is crucial when you're expecting, and with Protetika orthopedic sandals, you'll enjoy the high arch support that keeps your feet happy while you carry your baby—and long after.
Shop now at our eShop and take the first step toward more comfortable, supported feet during your pregnancy!
