Pregnancy and Your Achy Feet

I'm Pregnant.. My belly is getting bigger, I expected that. What I didnt expect was the swollen feet, the burning arch pain and the change in shoe size.

Did you know that during pregnancy your foot size increases at least a half size per pregnancy and is usually permanent after the 2nd one. Some women would be happy with that, an excuse to buy new shoes.. The problem is that most women dont realize that there shoes are to small. Measure your feet once a month and every time you buy shoes! You would be surprised by the changes in your feet.

Buying new shoes.. an easy fix.. But what about all the pain in my feet, and why are they so achy and tired. I have never had a foot problem before...

As your waist line expands, the weight gain can actually cause a change in your posture. The change in posture can cause you to walk differently.... which leads to abnormal stress on your back, knees, and feet. Your body is not used to this stress and will respond with pain, tenderness and overall discomfort.

The most common complaints that I see in my pregnant patients are: swollen feet, over pronation( foot flattening out like a pancake), arch pain, arch fatigue, heel pain, ingrown toenails and cramping of the feet and legs.

There are some easy fixes to make you a little more comfortable during this wonderful time of pregnancy. Make sure your shoes are the right size.. this will help prevent ingrown toenails, always wear supportive shoes, and never go barefoot. Maternity compression stockings are a good way to prevent swollen feet. Make sure you are stretching your legs and feet, always stretch before any type of exercise and make sure you are taking your prenatal vitamins.