While the joy of motherhood may be one of life's most precious gifts, expectant mothers have to endure the rigors of pregnancy before they can experience baby bliss. As a woman's waistline expands, healthy weight gain during pregnancy can alter one's center of gravity causing a sway-backed posture called lordosis. This new posture, coupled with weight gain, can create pressure on the knees, legs and feet. Some of the most common lower-extremity ailments mothers-to-be may face are swollen feet, overpronation (commonly called flatfeet) and cramps in the legs and feet. An obstetrician or gynecologist should make a referral to a podiatrist for specialized treatment of these conditions.
Swollen Feet/Increased Foot Size/Color Changes
Symptoms: ·Excess fluid, called edema, collects in the foot tissue. · Extra blood accumulates in the lower extremities (due to weight and position of baby in the womb), usually during third trimester of pregnancy. · Hormones released to increase the flexibility of the birth canal can also have an effect on the feet. This increase in foot size could be permanent after pregnancy. ·Swelling can lead to ingrown toenails as well.
Treatment: ·Try waist-high maternity support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning so blood doesn't have a chance to pool around your ankles. ·Ingrown toenails may need to be trimmed out
Prevention: Put your feet up whenever possible. · Uncross your legs or ankles while sitting. · Stretch your legs frequently while sitting. ·Wear comfortable shoes. · Measure feet periodically because feet can lengthen and widen. Trim your nails straight accross so they can grow past the skin without digging in.
Over Pronation/ Flat Feet
Symptoms: ·Arch flattens out due to body weight and feet roll inward when walking. · Extreme stress or inflammation on the plantar fascia, the fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel to the forefoot.
Treatments: ·Orthotic inserts can help support your arch. ·There are both over-the-counter and custom supports available.
Prevention: · Choose comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption. · Avoid high heels. · If you're looking for a walking or athletic shoe, buy a running shoe, which also offers more shock absorption.
Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Pain
Symptoms: · Arch flattens out due to increased body weight and feet roll inward when walking. ·Pain is worst first thing in the morning and after periods of inactivity.
Treatment: · Pad and tape and use proper shoe inserts. · Consider orthotic inserts and appropriate medications (recommended by your OBGYN or podiatrist). · Warm up and stretch properly before exercising.
Prevention: · Do not walk barefoot or in backless shoes. · Wear shoes that have a strong, supportive arch and firm heel. · Wear lower heels and avoid high heels.
Cramps in the Feet & Legs
Symptoms: · Increased blood volume during pregnancy and high progesterone levels relax your blood vessels to prevent high blood pressure. · Relaxed and slack vessels can slow down your circulation. · Increased weight in your pelvic area can compress the veins, reducing circulation to your feet.
Treatment: · Stretch calves often. · Wear supportive shoes. · Walk the cramp out.
Prevention: · Eat a healthy balanced diet to make sure there are no vitamin or mineral deficiencies. · Increase circulation by rotating your ankles 10 times to the right, then to the left. Switch legs. Repeat 10 times.
What to Expect When You Are Expecting....From Your Feet!