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How Your Feet Change During Pregnancy

Are you currently pregnant or trying for a baby? Then continue to read on to find out how your feet may change during pregnancy. Now not all changes will occur at the start of your pregnancy a lot of the changes will actually occur at the later stages of your pregnancy. So here are the top 5 changes that you may notice while you’re pregnant.

  1. Over time as your feet and legs begin to swell you may notice that the skin will begin to stretch. As we experience stretching to our skin you often also experience itchy and flaky skin as a result of the increased fluid to the legs.


  1. Your nails will begin to grow at more rapid speeds due to the increase in hormones that can be found within the body. Some females do find that their nail strength decreases causing the nails to split and break more frequently. It should be noted that these changes are not permanent and will generally resolve post pregnancy.

  1. Due to increased fluid within the body and the noticeable swelling within your feet most people will generally need to buy shoes that are larger for their feet. Generally, those who have swelling within their feet will find it easier to wear shoes that can just slip on and off to ensure that they are more comfortable especially during the warmer months.


  1. During pregnancy your body will release a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin causes your ligaments to become looser and less ridged. As a result your body will become less stable and have an increased risk of developing an injury. As your ligaments loose their strength it become easier to over stretch and strain yourself. Generally the pelvis, lower back, knee and feet are most affected.


  1. Your center of gravity changes over the 9 months resulting in increased pressure on your knees and feet. With over-pronation occurring you may experience pain within the arches, ball and heels of the feet. Typically, it has been found that due to over pronation extreme pressure occurs on your feet, legs and back. Generally this over-pronation may occur as a result of the increased levels of Relaxin within your body.

If you have been experiencing any of the following symptoms throughout your current pregnancy then come and visit one of our friendly podiatrists at Podiatry HQ or book online today.