Pregnant Mothers, Babies and Feet
By Marcel Cadieux

A pregnancy can be life changing, body changing and foot changing.  Expectant mothers ask questions about what to expect of their feet during this time of joy and change.

Question:           
I am in my second trimester and I think my feet are getting bigger. Is this possible?

Answer:           
There's a reason that feet seem to grow during pregnancy. The aptly named pregnancy hormone relaxin, loosens the joints around your pelvis so your baby can make his way down the birth canal. Relaxin also loosens the ligaments in your feet, causing the bones in the foot to spread. Your foot bones aren't actually growing — it's just that the ligaments that hold these 26 bones together aren't as tight as they were.

Question:           
My feet seem to swell more and more as I get farther into my pregnancy, why?

Answer:           
As your tummy grows, your center of gravity moves from the lower back to the front of your body and you depend on your feet more for stability. This puts additional stress on the tendons, muscles and ligaments in the foot. Increased stress causes inflammation, and this swelling makes it hard to fit into pre-pregnancy shoes. To ease the swelling, soak your feet in cool water and prop them up as often as you can.

Question:           
Will my feet go back to their original size after delivery?

Answer:           
Even after pregnancy the feet may not return to their former size. While the foot swelling generally subsides within a month after delivery, any foot spreading caused by looser ligaments is most likely permanent. In fact most women will find that their feet are now half to a full size larger. After pregnancy results are likely to be: a flatter foot because the arch has fallen, continued heel pain and a larger shoe size.

Question:           
Is there anything I can do to minimize the effects of my pregnancy on my feet?

Answer:           
Yes. Orthotics can help keep the ligaments from over stretching and the arches from collapsing. Elevate feet above the heart and rest legs often. Support hose can help reduce inflammation.

Question:           
There are so many choices in orthotics. What should I look for in orthotics that would work for my feet during pregnancy?

Answer:           
Orthotics may need to be modified to increase support as you gain   weight with your pregnancy. After delivery, the orthotics may provide too much support for the “lighter” you so readjustment may again be needed.

Question:           
How about shoes?

Answer:           
Shop for shoes in the afternoon or evening because feet tend to swell throughout the day.  Look for shoes that provide good support at the heel and a strong midfoot (along the arch) to support the extra stress on the foot during your pregnancy. A rocker bottom sole may also help make walking a little easier. Shoes should be comfortable and roomy enough to not confine your toes. Make sure that your new shoes can accommodate your new orthotics.

Whatever you do, don't try to make do with your old shoes! Wearing tight shoes can aggravate bunions and cause a host of painful foot problems, ranging from ingrown toenails to corns and calluses.

Your baby’s feet and shoes:

1.When the child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary for walking indoors. Allowing the youngster to walk barefoot or to wear just socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, baby’s feet should be protected in shoes.

2.Cover your baby's feet loosely. Tight covers restrict movement and can retard normal development.  Shoes should be lightweight and made from flexible natural materials. Soles need to be made of materials that can glide on walking surfaces. Children can’t lift their feet well during early walking attempts and grippy soles cause falling and frustrate the child.

3. As a child's feet continue to develop, it may be necessary to change shoe and sock sizes every few months to allow room for the feet to grow. Although foot problems result mainly from injury, deformity, illness, or hereditary factors, improper footwear can aggravate preexisting conditions. Shoes or other footwear should never be handed down from one child to another.

Special footcare is needed during this time of increased stress on your feet.  Professionals trained in the application of orthotics can help customize answers to your shoe and orthotic needs during your pregnancy and afterwards.