It's not your imagination -- feet can and do grow at least half a size or more during pregnancy. As you know, your body goes through some significant changes over the months as you carry your child to term and even though most people don't think their feet are affected by pregnancy, they are! Have you noticed swelling of your feet? If so, you're not alone. This swelling - also known as edema -- is common during pregnancy, causing your feet to fill and retain fluid. You shoes may not fit and you also may be in some pain. The edema is caused by your body's need to increase the volume of blood flowing so that your growing baby receives enough nutrients to grow. More blood flow means possibly putting a strain on your veins and lymph glands, which means possible fluid retention. Are the veins in your leg turning varicose (larger, blue and somewhat painful)? This also can be a result of increased blood flow to your fetus, as well as the growing baby's position in your womb -- sometimes putting a crimp on your abdominal veins ability to return blood from your leg to circulate back to your heart. A skilled podiatrist can help you with the edema. He or she may suggest that you avoid standing for long periods of time. In addition, when seated or lying down, elevate your feet above your ankles with a pillow or comfortable stool. Be sure to exercise -- walking is a great way to reduce the amount of fluid that builds up in your legs and ankles. Your pumping leg muscles literally pump" the fluid away. And, yes, as much as you love those beautiful shoes in your closet in your regular" size, you may want to consider purchasing larger shoes. Wearing too-tight shoes not only is uncomfortable, but it also restricts blood flow. Do you feel your feet have flattened?" Hormones that ready your body's ligaments for labor by relaxing them can cause this in the later stages of your pregnancy. Your pelvic bones become more flexible as your body prepares for your baby to exit the birth canal. The ligaments -- the fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone -- on your legs and even your feet also loosen, so the feet arches may become a bit flatter. As your weight increases as pregnancy continues, some women can be at risk for plantar fasciitis. There's a strip of tissue on your arch known as the plantar fascia which can become strained as your feet flatten. Chronic inflammation can result. You will need to visit a medical provider -- preferably a podiatrist -- for treatment. Most often Custom made Orthotics is the best treatment for this condition. Your podiatrist will be the best source to have this discussion with. The good news is that most foot and ankle problems that occur during pregnancy go away once the baby is born or soon after. Your pre-pregnancy shoe size may never return, but most women report it's a minor price to pay for the wonder of bearing and giving birth to their children. Copyright (c) 2009 Dr Alireza Khosroabady DPM
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