There are many different changes a woman goes through when she’s pregnant. Foot pain is one of the more common complaints and quite often this has everything to do with the fact her centre of balance is altered as she gains weight. The new weight-bearing stance many women adopt when they are with child puts extra pressure on their knees and feet.
Here’s a few ideas on foot care for pregnant women that will help to alleviate some of this discomfort.
Making that nine months of your life as comfortable as possible means learning about the possibility of foot conditions called Overpronation and Edema which often results in pain in the heels, balls or arches of your feet. The right orthotics devices can prevent you from suffering from the lingering effects associated with Overpronation. This is one of the best ways to get the additional support needed while you are carrying the extra weight of a new baby.
Edema is also commonly called swelling of the feet. This usually occurs in the final trimester of pregnancy and is a result of decreased circulation and blood gathering in the lower extremities. There are a few things that you can do during your pregnancy to alleviate swelling in your feet and these include:
- Elevating your feet as often as possible. It’s a good idea to take the pressure off those arches as often as you can. The kind of socks that you wear can make a difference as well. It’s another good idea to try and select only those brands and styles that don’t hinder circulation further.
- Although you probably already know that what you eat makes a difference when you are pregnant, many women might not know how maintaining a good diet can help you when you’re suffering with Edema. It’s well known that avoiding foods with an increased level of salt is a best practice since that helps to lessen fluid retention.
If you’ve got to take a long trip or go on an aircraft for any length of time, it’s a good idea to stretch your legs wherever possible to promote circulation. Finally, it’s not uncommon for pregnant women to suffer from foot cramps during the course of their pregnancy. Walking it off is one of the best ways to get rid of the pain during the day and massaging the arch of your foot with your thumbs at night can work wonders.
