Ruth Ann Cooper, D.P.M

It’s amazing how a body changes during pregnancy. For instance, did you know that a pregnant woman’s feet become wider and longer because her ligaments become easily stretched to prepare for childbirth? The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) shares common pregnancy symptoms along with tips and tricks to keep feet healthy until you finally meet your little one.

EDEMA

Edema, or swelling, can be caused by the excess blood and fluid your body produces for pregnancy and from the baby compressing the blood vessels. Edema in the feet and ankles can make it uncomfortable to perform simple tasks such as walking and standing. How can you limit swelling and keep your feet feeling good throughout your pregnancy?

• Wear supportive shoes, orthotics and compression stockings. Comfortable footwear and the right orthotics offer much-needed arch support and help distribute weight more evenly, while compression stockings can help with the swelling.
  
• Exercise. The more active you are, the more your blood flows out of your feet and ankles and into the rest of your body. Is painful swelling already making exercise difficult? Try exercises that don’t put as much stress on your feet, like elliptical training.
  
• Reduce your intake of salt and drink more water. Small changes in your diet can make significant improvements. Salt can cause your body to retain excess fluids, while drinking more water can flush out excess fluids.
  
• Elevate your feet. Pregnancy can be tiring and you’ve earned some rest and relaxation. When you’re taking a break, try elevating your feet, as well. This can help reduce swelling.
  
• Know your limits. No one knows your body better than you know your body. Trust your instincts and when you feel you might be over extending yourself, stop and take it easy.
  

OVER PRONATION

Pronation is the normal flexible motion and flattening of the arch of the foot that allows it to adapt to ground surfaces and absorb shock in the normal walking pattern. Over pronation, common in pregnancy, occurs when the increased weight of carrying your baby stresses the feet and flattens the arches, causing the feet to roll in. Over pronation can stretch the tissues lining the bottom of your feet, also known as the plantar fascia. When the plantar fascia is stretched, it can cause painful inflammation called plantar fasciitis. Over pronation and plantar fasciitis result in pain in the foot and heel. How can you reduce the pain?