Your body changes dramatically during pregnancy, from your hair to your feet. During this time, it’s common for swollen feet to cause pain and discomfort. Being pregnant can get uncomfortable enough as it is. The last thing you need is a pair of shoes that will make things worse. In order to stay comfortable and relaxed during this intense period, it is absolutely essential that you invest in the best pregnancy shoes. If you’re hesitant to invest in shoes when your feet may change size during pregnancy, know that you can still buy comfortable, practical shoes, you’ll wear long after the baby arrives.
Feet Related Issues During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is normal for the size of your clothes to change as you gain weight. Including your shoes! As your body weight increases, the pressure on your feet increases as well. It is common for your center of balance to shift during pregnancy. Because of this, choosing the right shoes is crucial. Here are some of the most common foot problems you can experience while pregnant:
Swelling of Feet and Legs
The body retains more water during pregnancy. Consequently, the lower limbs of your body swell, which causes your legs and feet to swell. As a result, your old shoes won’t fit well as pregnancy progresses. You will need to purchase a larger size or shoes that can expand a little to accommodate your swollen feet.
Varicose Veins
As the baby grows, your veins twist and expand, and the pressure on the uterus can cause varicose veins. For some women, it can be very painful. The best way to control this is through exercise. It is also crucial to wear the right shoes when walking or exercising while pregnant. It is important to wear comfortable pregnancy shoes that don’t restrict blood flow.
Heel Pain
In order to support the baby bump projecting in front of you, you will place more weight on your heel as you gain weight and your center of balance changes. Standing for long periods of time can lead to severe heel pain. This is why pregnant women are prone to plantar fasciitis. You can prevent this by wearing shoes that provide optimal comfort for your heels.
Sprains to Ligaments
Your weight isn’t evenly distributed like before, so it’s important to wear supportive shoes during pregnancy. A slight twist in the ankle caused by the wrong shoes can cause serious damage to ligaments.
Flat Feet (Pronation)
Flat feet, or excessive pronation, occur when the arch flattens and the feet roll inward when walking or standing. In addition to causing extreme stress on the soft tissues and muscles in the feet and legs, this can also damage the plantar fascia, the fibrous band of tissue between the heel and the forefoot. This is why it is essential to wear pregnancy shoes that provide arch support.
Do I Need Different Shoes for Pregnancy?
It’s not uncommon for a woman to change shoe size several times throughout the course of pregnancy, so it’s vital to adjust footwear accordingly. Your swollen feet shouldn’t be squeezed into shoes that are too small or have poor cushioning. Normal shoes aren’t designed to accommodate changes in size. They are less flexible and do not provide as much freedom of movement as necessary in the late stages of pregnancy. Wearing shoes specifically designed for this purpose can help you feel more supported and reduce pressure on other parts of your body. In addition, sticking to your pre-pregnancy shoes can lead to bunions and ball-of-foot pain during pregnancy.
Things to Consider When Choosing Pregnancy Shoes
There are a few considerations to keep in mind when shopping for good pregnancy shoes. Remember, as you carry around another little person inside you, your feet are put under extra strain. As a result, your feet and legs can feel heavy and achy. Pregnancy shoes should be flexible to accommodate swelling fluctuations and structured to relieve some pressure. When shopping for pregnancy shoes, swelling isn’t the only thing to consider. During pregnancy, hormones cause ligaments to loosen, resulting in fallen arches (aka flat feet). Therefore, the best shoes for pregnancy should also provide arch support. Despite already owning supportive, stretchy footwear, you may still need pregnancy shoes. It is not uncommon for your feet to grow half or a whole size during pregnancy!
Conclusion
As you’ve learned, pregnancy puts a lot of strain on your body and your feet in particular. Several products are marketed to pregnant women (such as pregnancy pillows, belly bands, and more), but the most important ones are the ones you don’t think about at first but make a world of difference after you find them. Like, shoes. It may seem silly, but shoes have a huge impact on your daily life. Pregnancy shoes are a great way to support your feet!
