Every part of your body experiences some sort of change during pregnancy, including your feet. Your feet may become sore when you're expecting, and the right foot care during pregnancy can help prevent discomfort and injury. Here are some simple tips that can help you keep your feet healthy as your pregnancy progresses.
Wear good shoes
Many women find that their feet get larger during pregnancy. Instead of purchasing new shoes, they default to sandal flip flops or other flat shoes that are forgiving in size. However, these shoes are not supportive and can actually make foot pain much worse during pregnancy. The lack of support combined with the additional weight of pregnancy can cause inflammation, leading to a painful condition called plantar fasciitis.
Instead of choosing flat shoes, invest in a new pair of shoes that fits well. You can even still wear sandals if you prefer them, but choose sandals with a firm structure, good arch support, and a back to avoid a shuffling gait. Sandals often have adjustable straps that can make it easier to adapt to changing foot sizes in pregnancy.
Stay active
Staying active during pregnancy can help reduce weight gain during pregnancy. Weight gain is one of the main stressors that leads to foot pain when women are expecting. You can remain active without even being on your feet. Swimming, for example, is a great workout for pregnant women, and it provides no extra stress to your feet. Walking in supportive shoes can also be a good form of activity. You might try cycling on a stationary bike or joining a low-impact dance class.
Moisturize
Women who are pregnant through the summer may develop heel cracks because of the increased stress on the feet. Heel cracks occur because of dryness. It's harder to give yourself good foot care during pregnancy because your growing belly makes it harder to reach your feet. However, you might get your partner to rub cream on your feet each night to keep the skin moist and healthy. You can also use a pumice stone to gently rub away areas of dead skin that foster deep cracks.
Use compression stockings
For those who have trouble with foot swelling throughout the day, compression stockings can help to reduce the edema. Movement also helps. For example, if you sit at a desk for most of the day, make it point to get up and walk around your office ever so often to help prevent fluid from pooling in your feet.
For additional foot care advice, contact a medical facility like Foot & Ankle Care Center PA.