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My Pregnant Feet: How Weight Gain and Other Body Changes Affect the Feet—and How to Cope

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Low back pain. Although back pain in pregnancy is due primarily to the expanding body habitus, growing uterus and weight gain, some pain may also be caused by the feet. The extra weight shifts a pregnant woman’s center of gravity, effecting a shift in plantar foot pressure that can trigger the onset of back pain, especially in the third trimester (13). This knowledge reinforces the benefits of undertaking a physician-monitored exercise program to manage weight, and of wearing custom orthotics to realign plantar foot pressure, thereby helping to manage back pain. My custom orthotics made a tremendous difference in the amount of back pain I experienced in the third trimester of all of my pregnancies. My mother, on the other hand, did not wear orthotics and experienced severe, debilitating back pain during all four of her pregnancies. I like to think I gave her the least amount of trouble.

Ingrown toenails. Although I did not experience an ingrown toenail while I was pregnant, I have cared for many pregnant women who have. Treatment depends on how far along a woman is in her pregnancy. If there is no acute infection, sometimes a temporary procedure, such as a partial toenail removal, can be performed to get the patient comfortable until after the pregnancy. Ultimately, the doctor caring for the pregnant woman will advise on the best treatment option.

Varicose veins. Pregnancy is a risk factor for varicose veins, although not all pregnant women have them. Edema in the lower extremities increases pooling of the blood in the feet and legs. As a result, the valves in the veins become sluggish and don’t work well. Varicose veins form when the damaged valves allow blood backflow. The condition may be temporary, and resolve after pregnancy. During pregnancy, a light compression stocking can help relieve the pain. If varicose veins persist after pregnancy, permanent removal options may be considered.

How to Get Relief
I love to help other women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant avoid or learn to deal with the foot issues associated with pregnancy. Here are some suggestions based on my personal experience and my work with pregnant women in my podiatry practice:

Learn what to expect. Read articles such as this one about the effects of pregnancy on the feet, and talk to friends and family members so you know what to expect and can take steps to prepare. I’m so glad my mother and older sister warned me about possibly needing shoes that were a little larger than my usual size, so I had a larger pair ready and waiting!

Wear supportive shoes. I learned to forgo my fashion sense, avoid high heeled shoes and only wear athletic-type shoes during the last trimester of each of my pregnancies. That made a tremendous difference by reducing pain and enhancing comfort.

Elevate your feet. This is a great way to relieve pain and swelling. I always insisted on sitting in our recliner, which allowed me to get my feet up, especially at the end of the day.

Wear padded socks. These can enhance comfort, especially if you have plantar fasciitis.

Take frequent “foot breaks.” Avoid standing and moving around for long periods; every half hour or so, or when you experience foot pain or other symptoms, take a short break during which you can sit comfortably, ideally elevating your feet.

Ongoing research and development are influencing the management of the pregnant foot today, compared with my mother’s generation. I hope that by the time either of my daughters experiences pregnancy, we will have learned even more about how pregnancy affects a woman’s feet, and developed even more effective strategies to help women cope with the changes that arise.

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My Pregnant Feet: How Weight Gain and Other Body Changes Affect the Feet—and How to Cope

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