10. Foot Changes During Pregnancy
Although they are often disregarded, the changes a pregnant woman experiences in her feet can be really important and influential. Many women find it shocking when, occasionally permanently, their shoe size changes after pregnancy. Combining elements connected to the physiological changes of pregnancy results in this phenomena.
Hormone relaxin is mostly responsible for the enlarged foot size during pregnancy. As was already said, relaxin loosens ligaments all across the body to be ready for delivery. This hormone influences foot ligaments in addition to the pelvic region. An increase in foot length and width results from the slightly spreading bones in the feet as these ligaments relax.
These hormonal changes have especially profound impact on the foot’s arch. Many pregnant women find their arches flattening, which might cause their shoe size to rise. Although this flattening is usually transient, some women find it persistent, particularly following several pregnancies.
Apart from hormonal changes, the weight gain during pregnancy strains the feet especially. The foot may stretch and the arch may flatten even more from this extra weight. Though this weight is not uniformly distributed, the typical weight increase during pregnancy falls between 25 and 35 pounds. A good amount is gathered in the abdomen, which forwardly moves the body’s centre of gravity. This modification might affect a woman’s posture and walk, therefore influencing the weight distribution across her feet.
Another frequent occurrence during pregnancy, fluid retention also influences foot alterations. Particularly in the later phases of pregnancy, the body’s retention of extra fluid causes common swelling of the feet and ankles. Because of this edoema, the feet may seem bigger and comfort calls for wearing bigger shoe sizes.
Additionally helping foot development is the growth hormone generated during pregnancy. Although this hormone mostly helps foetal development, it can also induce growth in the mother’s tissues—including those of the feet.
Different discomforts and difficulties can follow from these foot alterations. Many women discover their pre-pregnancy shoes no longer fit comfortably and must buy new shoes. A few
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