Pregnancy is one of the stages that brings the most changes for women, both emotional and physical. Among the latter, let’s talk about feet. Expectant mothers often worry about the changes their feet may undergo during pregnancy.
During the final months of pregnancy (especially the third trimester), it’s common for women to experience fluid retention and, as a result, swollen feet, making them appear larger and wider. This can become quite uncomfortable and even painful in some cases, to the point of limiting normal physical activity or the use of certain shoes.
Swelling of the feet during pregnancy is quite common and usually goes away shortly after giving birth. Gradually, the uterus returns to its normal size and stops pressing on the blood vessels, and hormone levels also return to normal. Everything returns to normal.
But not always. Some women find that their feet never return to their original size. This isn’t just simple swelling due to fluid retention—it’s actual foot growth, which can be between 2 and 10 mm, equivalent to half or even a full shoe size, and is much more common during the first pregnancy.
Why do feet grow during pregnancy?
The reasons for this foot growth are related to two main changes the woman’s body undergoes during pregnancy: first, weight gain, and second, an increase in certain hormones. Specifically, the hormone called relaxin is the main culprit. This hormone is secreted by the placenta and acts on the joints to make them more flexible, helping the baby pass through the birth canal. Relaxin also affects the ligaments in the feet, leading to a reduction in the arch of the foot and, consequently, expansion.
During pregnancy, the concentration levels of this hormone rise, which is why many women experience foot growth.
Let’s not forget the first factor: weight gain. When a woman gains weight during pregnancy, it puts pressure on the lower limbs, which further contributes to the flattening of the foot arch.
Foot care tips during pregnancy
- Maintain good daily foot hygiene and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Exfoliate the skin periodically.
- Moisturize the feet with specific creams, focusing on the heels.
- Take alternating hot and cold water baths.
- Walk on the beach to improve circulation and benefit from the salt in the water.
- Avoid improper footwear that causes friction or compresses the toes.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle; physical exercise is very beneficial during pregnancy.
- Avoid standing for long periods, but also avoid sitting too much.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or direct heat sources.
- At the end of the day, give yourself a foot massage and elevate your feet.
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