Foot-Friendly Pregnancy Advice for New Moms

Expecting your first child is an exciting and nerve-wracking time all at once. On the one hand, you’re excited to welcome a new member to your family and get to watch your child grow up. On the other hand, there’s a lot to prepare for, you’re tired, and so many changes are happening to your body. It can be overwhelming. Adding aching feet on top of that makes everything that much harder to deal with. Fortunately, a little foot care can go a long way in helping you stay on your feet while you prepare for your first child.

Not all new moms know this, but along with your expanding belly, your feet go through changes, too. Added weight from baby puts extra pressure on your lower limbs, flattening them. Combine this effect with a hormone that relaxes the ligaments in your body, and your feet can “grow” during this time, getting longer and wider. The added pressure can stress out your lower limbs as well, increasing your odds for arch issues or heel pain. Swelling in the feet and ankles is also common and uncomfortable.

So what’s a new mom to do? Here are a few ways you can take care of your feet during pregnancy:

• Invest in comfy shoes – You might need to go up a half-size in your shoes so they fit correctly. Stick to supportive, cushioned styles that reduce the pressure on your lower limbs.
• Consider compression socks – Compression socks are great for controlling swelling.
• Prop up those feet – When you can, take time to sit and prop your feet up to rest them and discourage swelling.
• Stretch out – Foot cramps are common, so exercise and stretch your calves and legs regularly to loosen muscles and boost circulation.

New moms have a lot to look forward to in this busy season of life—foot pain shouldn’t be one of those things. Knowing how to care for your feet can help you stay comfortable and worry about one less thing as you prepare for your first child. Our specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Care of Jasper are here to help you care for yourself and your growing family through this stage of life and beyond. Contact our office in Jasper, IN, for more information about foot care during pregnancy, or an appointment to address your foot pain. You can reach us online, or by calling (812) 481-7200.