Have you ever heard that your feet permanently change sizes after you get pregnant? While this may not be the issue for every pregnancy, most pregnant women undergo unexpected changes with their feet. 

Swelling, discomfort, and, yes, even a change in shoe size are all incredibly common and can result from hormones and extra weight placed on the feet. 

If you want to keep your feet in the best shape possible during your pregnancy, these six foot care tips should help.

1. Keep the Body Hydrated:

This first tip is essential for the entire body, not just the feet – but it’s worth mentioning here. 

Dehydration can result in all sorts of problems, including swelling in the feet and legs — problem pregnant women are especially susceptible to. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to decrease the chances of fluid collecting in your feet and legs. 

2. Exercise Your Feet and Legs:

Although it may seem like the solution to foot pain and discomfort is to get off your feet, a little exercise can go a long way in helping.

Small exercises like stretches and toe extensions can help improve blood circulation, oxygen, and lymph in your feet, reducing swelling and discomfort. It also keeps your muscles and tendons in good shape, which can help support the extra weight your feet carry. 

3. Elevate Your Feet and Relax:

Conversely, while exercise can be helpful if you’re constantly on your feet, sometimes the solution to pain and swelling is to relax. 

If your feet are swollen and discomforting, try elevating them. This could mean lying down and putting your feet on a pillow or propping them up on a footrest. This practice will help lessen the pressure on your feet and encourage flood build-up to dissipate.

4. Wear Compression Stockings:

Compression stockings promote circulation and discourage fluid from building up in your feet. This makes them great for days when you must be on your feet for long periods. 

Different compression levels are available, so talk to your doctor about what level would be best for you. For example, 15-20 mmHg is the usually recommended compression level for pregnant women.

5. Try Pads, Insoles, and Toe Spacers: 

Orthopedic products like pads, insoles, and toe spacers can always help when experiencing pain and discomfort in your feet, especially if you already have an existing concern or problem that needs addressing.

Heel pads and insoles can help cushion your feet and take some pressure off painful areas. Toe separators or spacers, on the other hand, can help keep your toes in alignment and encourage a natural weight distribution across your feet. 

6. Use Wide-Toe Box Shoes for Extra Comfort:

As your pregnancy progresses and your feet change, and you may find that your regular shoes just don’t fit the same way anymore. This is where wide toe box shoes for women come in.

A wide-toe box shoe is a shoe with a wide area at the forefoot — the area that usually swells and grows the most during pregnancy. Using wide-toe box shoes can help you prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of bunions and other problems caused by shoes that are too tight. 

Conclusion: 

Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but it can also be tough on your feet. If you want to maintain healthy feet and be comfortable during pregnancy, these six tips should help pregnant women. 

And if you ever have more concerns with your feet, it’s always a good idea to speak to your podiatrist.