Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy – the belly becomes bigger and rounder, hormones change and fluctuate, bones shift, and some parts of your body swells. In particular, your feet can undergo much more stress than they normally do in order to keep you active and stable.

Some foot problems pregnant women may encounter include:

• Pain along the plantar fascia (ligament on the bottom of your feet) – As you carry more weight, the feet have to work harder and undergo much more pressure than they are used to. Excess weight can even change your feet to be flat feet.
• Swelling – Blood and fluid alone can be the cause of up to 20 pounds of weight gain during pregnancy. Long periods of standing, sitting, or work (including walking) can prevent circulation and cause swelling.
• Instability – With swelling and extra pressure on the feet, it’s possible that your feet can be less alert and sensitive. This can cause instability, especially if you are in high heels.

To combat these problems, here are some tips for keeping your feet happy:

• Be active – Long periods of inactivity (or too much activity) can cause pain and swelling for your feet. If you have an office job, try to get up, stand, and move your feet as much as possible to increase circulation.
• Hydrate – This will also help you with circulation, as well as give you an excuse to move with trips to the restroom!
• Wear compression socks – this will help prevent swelling in the feet and ankles.
• Relax in a warm Epsom salt, cold Tonic water, or warm Grapefruit Essential Oil foot soak – This is a great way to give your feet some pain relief, as well as reduce swelling.
• Get a foot rub – If possible, get regular foot massages to pamper your tired, hard-working feet. At home, have your partner give you a foot rub and/or roll your feet on a lacrosse or golf ball for a nice massage along your plantar fascia.
• Elevate your feet above heart level to reduce swelling in your feet.
• Wear shoes that fit you. If your nice shoes are giving you pain, you may need to put them away for the pregnancy. Instead, find athletic shoes that will give you comfort and support to protect your precious cargo from unstable situations. Additionally, it will prevent pain or swelling from uncomfortable footwear.
• Use orthotic inserts if your arches have flatten due to weight gain - Arch supports and good cushioning should do the trick.

If you feel that you are swelling excessively, or if the swelling is occurring unevenly (in one leg and not the other), contact your doctor right away. Swelling is not necessarily normal in all parts of the body and may indicate a more severe problem. If you are concerned about swelling in your legs or need assistance with finding relief, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz of Texas Foot Works is more than happy to help you. Make an appointment today at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices.