How to Reduce Swelling in Feet During Pregnancy
Wondering how to reduce swelling in feet during pregnancy? Or looking for other foot care advice for for soon-to-be-moms? You’re not alone: so many new and expectant mothers wonder how to cope with (or prevent) changes in their feet. Luckily, we’re here with tips and advice so that your feet stay healthy despite the strain your growing baby can put on them.
Foot Changes During Pregnancy 
Your feet take on all the pressure of your body weight. And, naturally, they may change or experience pain as your body weight increases while your baby grows. Clearly, “Pregnancy creates many changes in the body and can even affect the size of a woman’s feet,” says Brad Bachmann, DPM, a podiatrist at Louetta Foot and Ankle Specialists and member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “And even though newborns aren’t walking yet, it’s understandable that mothers may have some concerns about how to best take care of their baby’s feet.” Luckily, our team of podiatrists in Spring, TX is here to help with both concerns, offering pediatric and adult foot care!
How to Reduce Swelling in Feet During Pregnancy
The discomforts of pregnancy are common and well-known, ranging from back pain and frequent bathroom trips to feet that are swollen and sore.
“It’s not at all unusual for a woman to gain a shoe size while pregnant,” Dr. Bachmann says. “Increased weight puts more pressure on the foot, the arch flattens a bit, and the foot elongates. Just a quarter-inch increase in foot length is enough to prompt a change in shoe size.”
While it’s probably impossible to completely avoid foot challenges during pregnancy, moms-to-be can take steps to minimize them:
- Control weight gain. Added weight is the most likely cause of foot expansion. Do your best to follow your obstetrician’s guidelines for how much weight you should gain throughout the pregnancy.
- Avoid high heels. Sure, you see celebrities accessorizing their baby bumps with stilettos, but a lower heel during pregnancy will relieve pressure on the foot. Also, lower heels will provide you with greater stability during a time when newly gained weight might throw off your balance. It’s easy to find plenty of pretty, stylish lower heels—1 to 2 inches in height—that will look and feel great while you’re pregnant.
- Comfort and support should be key considerations any time you choose footwear, but they are even more important for pregnant women. With extra weight and pressure on your feet for nine months, you need a shoe that provides support and cushioning. Avoid thin-soled shoes (including flip-flops and ballet flats); look for shoes with thicker soles and plenty of cushioning inside the shoes. Whatever shoe you choose, it should bend only at the ball of the foot, and you should never be able to twist the sole or bend it anywhere else.
Caring for Pregnant Feet in Spring and Tomball, TX
While it’s common for women’s feet to enlarge during pregnancy—and remain that size even after delivery—generally that size increase occurs only with a first pregnancy. Plus, if you follow our tips for how to reduce swelling in feet during pregnancy, the size changes may be avoidable! So you shouldn’t worry that your feet will continue to grow with subsequent pregnancies. Talk to your obstetrician and always feel free to call our office with any concerns with your feet or ankles. Dr. Bachmann and the team will take great care of you!
Pediatric Foot Care
Many new moms will worry about their new baby’s feet. “The good news is, as long as the baby’s feet are healthy at birth, most newborns won’t require special care for their feet,” Dr. Bachmann says. “Caring for your baby’s feet is much like caring for the rest of his or her body.”
Don’t worry if your baby’s feet look discolored or wrinkled or even have flaky, peeling skin when he or she is born. After nine months in protective fluid within the womb, they’re bound to look a bit different from yours. Your pediatrician will look for any obvious abnormalities of your baby’s feet and legs and will let you know what to do if he or she finds any cause for concern.
Use baby nail clippers to keep your child’s toenails trimmed, cutting straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Be sure to thoroughly dry baby’s feet after a bath, and choose soft, anti-microbial socks that don’t wrinkle or bunch to keep those little feet warm and protected.
When your baby starts to walk, bare feet are best inside the house as he or she learns the finer points of getting around. Outside, put him or her in a lightweight, flexible shoe made of natural materials.
If foot problems run in your family, have your child examined when he or she begins to walk. Dr. Bachmann can inspect your child’s feet to ensure they’re growing normally. Again, feel free to call the office with any foot concerns you have for yourself, baby, or any family member. We will get you in the office right away for care.