If you are a mother-to-be, your feet are probably the farthest thing from your mind as you begin your journey. There are so many other things to think about, and as the baby grows your feet begin to have an “out of sight, out of mind” experience. Or at least they would if they didn’t start feeling so painful! Pregnancy affects your feet, and knowing how can help you stay ahead of discomfort.
There are three big things that can affect the happiness of your feet during pregnancy: weight, fluid, and hormones. As you gain extra weight from your growing child, it adds force and shifts the center of gravity, leaving more pressure on the feet and knees. Second, extra fluid begins to be retained in the body to provide extra support for you and your little one. Third, the hormone relaxin begins to be released into the bloodstream, causing ligaments to loosen. The intent is to help prepare for childbirth, but ligaments throughout the body can be affected.
These three factors can contribute to different problems in your feet and ankles. Your feet can swell due to the effects of excess fluid and gravity upon them. Your arches might also flatten from all the pressure, leading to overpronation and even heel pain through plantar fasciitis. And did anyone tell you that your spreading foot bones might stay that way after birth, leaving you up to a shoe sizes larger, permanently?
If you are experiencing foot and ankle discomfort during your pregnancy, you are far from alone. It doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it, however! Dr. Kevin Powers and his staff in Bloomington are more than happy to help you find relief from discomfort and give you one less thing to worry about before your blessed event. Use our website or call (812) 333-4422 for assistance.
