While the joy of motherhood may be one of life's most precious gifts, expectant mothers have to endure the rigors of pregnancy before they can experience the joy of motherhood and baby bliss.
As a woman's waistline expands, healthy weight gain during pregnancy can alter her center of gravity causing a sway-backed posture called lordosis. This new posture, coupled with the weight gain, create increased pressure on the knees, legs, ankles and feet; everyday movements, such as lifting, sitting, standing and walking are affected. Some of the most common foot ailments mothers-to-be may face are swollen feet, flat feet and cramps, which can lead to pain in the heel, arch and ball of the feet.
Increased hormone levels results in fluid retention that can lead to leg swelling and flat feet because the ligaments in your feet relax. This swelling and loosening of ligaments can also increase a woman's shoe size during pregnancy. Most women's feet will return to their normal size within a few months after childbirth, but some mothers' feet grow a half to one full shoe size permanently.
It is estimated that 75 percent of pregnant women will experience some leg swelling, especially in the third trimester. Some women experience swollen feet and a bigger shoe size during pregnancy predominantly due to release of the hormone relaxin that causes the ligaments of the foot to become lax and stretch out, making the foot bigger. Pregnant women retain fluid, especially in the third trimester to provide fluid for the baby, but this causes the foot to spread wider.
Many women may also experience leg cramping and varicose veins due to weight gain. Some may even develop plantar fasciitis due to the weight gain and the very flat shoe styles often worn during pregnancy. Due to these common complaints, it is important for all pregnant women to learn about foot health so their feet can be as comfortable as possible during their pregnancy. Fortunately, there are several ways to ease these complaints and keep them from getting worse.

Ways to pamper the feet during pregnancy
Wear good, supportive shoes that support and protect the arches from strain, and cushion the feet during standing and walking. Sneakers or athletic shoes are a good choice, as they provide the most shock absorption and the laces can be adjusted as the foot widens as the pregnancy progresses. Avoid wearing too many flat sandals or flip-flops, because most of them do not provide any arch support at all. Take time to choose the right shoes during pregnancy. If the shoes are too tight, don't put your feet through the stress, and avoid high heels -- especially ones that are very high.
If you have to wear socks, wear socks made with fabrics that allow the foot to breathe, such as cotton, rather than nylon. If you can get away without wearing socks or pantyhose do so, and allow your feet to relax and breathe.
Ingrown toenails are also common in pregnancy, so it's important that you take extra care of your toenails as well. Make sure your toenails are cut straight across, and are not rounded or cutting into the skin on the side of the toe. Remove calluses with a pumice stone and foot files. Moisturize your feet regularly to prevent them from getting dry or cracked. Better yet, get a pedicure or foot massage that can also help when you cannot see or reach your feet.
Drinking lots of water can help with the fluid retention. Frequent breaks and rest can help with foot pain and swelling. Foot exercises and a nice foot massage can go a long way to help with relieve foot pain and swelling.
Lying on your left side, elevating your feet when sitting, swimming and/or immersing your body in a cool bath and avoiding very salty or spicy foods can all help with controlling foot swelling.
For at least part of your pregnancy, you may not be able to see your toes, let alone care for them. Easy ways to soothe your hard-working feet include asking your partner to cut your toenails and rub lotion on your feet or give you a much-needed foot massage. Enjoy a nice foot bath, put up your feet and relax. Make sure to mention any concerns about your feet to your OB-GYN or midwife.

o For more information email foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.apma.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820, or Lucayan Medical Centre on East Sunrise Highway, Freeport Grand Bahama, telephone 373-7400.

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