5 Tips For Keeping Your Feet Healthy During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is often an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be a challenging one. One of the biggest challenges that pregnant women face is taking care of their feet. If the extra weight and pressure on the feet are causing discomfort, the following tips might help, and it’s always worth visiting a foot care clinic.
Exercise regularly
Exercise is important for maintaining good circulation and preventing swelling in the feet and ankles. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga can be incredibly beneficial in improving blood flow and preventing a build-up of fluid in your feet.
However, before taking part in any exercise, however, it’s essential to speak to your healthcare provider. They’ll be able to guide you on which exercises and activities are suitable and safe for you at each stage of your pregnancy.
It’s also a wise idea to visit a foot care clinic, or foot specialist, to find the most supportive footwear for your feet when exercising.
Wear comfortable shoes
Of course, exercising isn’t the only time you need comfortable shoes. As pregnancy progresses, weight gain and hormonal changes can cause a woman's feet to swell, making it essential to wear shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support to prevent discomfort, pain, and injury.
Footwear that is too restrictive can lead to complications like varicose veins and poor circulation. Look for comfy shoes that are easy to slip on and off. In your third trimester, you might find it tricky to bend down and unlace complicated footwear!
You may notice a shift in your centre of gravity which can lead to balance issues. As a result, it’s best to wear shoes with good traction and stability to prevent falls.
Consider orthotics
You could take this one step further with orthotics. In some cases, weight gain, hormonal changes, and postural adaptations during pregnancy can result in foot-related problems such as flat feet, overpronation, and even plantar fasciitis.
Orthotics, which are custom-made shoe inserts made by a foot specialist, can help alleviate discomfort and pain caused by these conditions by providing support, cushioning, and proper alignment of the feet.
Additionally, orthotics can improve your overall posture and balance of the body, which can also help prevent falls and injuries during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
Elevate feet
Elevating your feet above your heart level can help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation in the legs.
When the feet are elevated, gravity assists the body's natural circulation, allowing the blood and fluids that have pooled in the feet and legs to flow back towards the heart. This can also help prevent blood clots, a common condition during pregnancy.
See a podiatrist
A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot and ankle problems. During pregnancy, you can benefit from visiting a foot care clinic that specialises in podiatry services. They’ll make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your feet healthy and prevent any issues from arising in the future.
They can provide comprehensive foot care, including foot examinations, custom orthotics, and recommendations for proper footwear, which can help alleviate foot pain and prevent further complications.
Foot and ankle care with City Foot Health
If you’re pregnant and are suffering from a range of foot-related problems such as swelling, discomfort, or pain, the City Foot Health team is here to help. As one of the top foot specialists in London, we have the training and experience to support you throughout your pregnancy — whether you’re in the early weeks and want some advice or you’re struggling with third-trimester swelling.
For more information, feel free to contact our friendly team today.