There is no doubt that pregnancy is an amazing experience; however, it brings lots of challenges and changes to the body. 

Foot are not exempted from those changes; in fact, there are several foot related problems that a woman can experience through pregnancy, such as Over-Pronation, Edema and Foot Cramps.

Pregnant women might want to add a visit to a Podiatrist as party of their care regime should foot pain and cramps begin. Do Not Ignore Foot Pain!

What about Shoes?

Shoe buying tips

• Shop late in the day when your feet tend to be swollen.

• Make sure the shoes fit before you leave the store. Don’t be afraid to walk around the store until you are sure those are the right shoes.

• Choose shoes that have either a round or a square toe. Pointy shoes will put more pressure on your toes.

• Boots with side zips are you best choice. They are easy to put in and off.

• Don’t wear the same shoes all day long.

Take advantage! Being pregnant is the perfect reason to get feet massages. Those will make you feel better and will relieve some of your swelling and discomfort in your feet.

Over-pronation

Pronation is the normal flexible motion and flattening of the arch of the foot. When a woman starts gaining weight during pregnancy, the foot experiences an extra pressure, which causes the arch to flatten.

Over-pronation or flat feet can make walking a painful experience and increases strain on the feet calves and/or back. Over-pronation is also very prominent in people who have flexible, flat feet or in people who are obese.

Treatment for over-pronation involves:

• Use of specially-made orthotics: These will provide arch support and medial rear foot posting.
  
• Proper footwear: Choosing comfortable shoes will help with shock absorption.

It is important to treat over-pronation for pain relief but also to prevent other foot conditions from developing such as Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Metatarsalgia, Post Tibial Tendonitis and Bunions.

Edema

During pregnancy, the excess of blood and fluid your body produces and the pressure applied from the enlarged uterus to the blood vessels can cause swelling or Edema. This swelling occurs typically in the final trimester of pregnancy.

How to control the swelling or minimize the symptoms?

• Elevate the feet as much as possible. Whenever you are sitting use a stool to rest your feet on.
• Wear comfortable shoes that stretch to accommodate swelling in your feet.
• Wear socks with not tight bands or that put extra pressure to your ankles or calves
• Don't cross your legs or ankles while sitting
• Exercise regularly. Walking is usually one of the best exercises.
• Take breaks and stretch your legs while sitting.
• Drink plenty of water. Keeping well hydrated will reduce the need for the body to retain any extra fluids.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods that are high in salt content. Salt will cause water retention