PREGNANCY is a wonderful experience for most women. Many sail through it feeling fantastic, healthy and invigorated by the whole experience. Others are not so lucky and have health complaints that can be quite debilitating. One complaint that is often overlooked is foot pain and discomfort.

As a pregnancy progresses, a woman’s centre of gravity will change causing increased pressure on the back, hips, knees, and ankles. With oedema (swelling), coupled with flattening of the foot arch (over-pronation or flat feet), many women end up with pain in the heel, arch and ball of the foot. Over-pronation causes the feet to roll inwards when walking. This can create a lot of stress and inflammation on the bottom of the foot, ankle, calf, and back.

Oedema usually occurs in the latter stages of pregnancy and is a result of the extra blood and fluid accumulated during the process. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on the pelvic blood vessels causing the circulation to slow down and fluid to accumulate in the feet. It is common to find women complaining about varicose veins and cramp. This again will be due to the weight gain and extra pressure on the blood vessels.

Treatment

The over-pronation can be corrected by your podiatrist. They should be able to provide you with orthotics. These are devices that can be put into your shoes to correct the problem. Choose supportive comfortable footwear that provides extra shock-absorption. Your shoes should have a strap, lace or buckle so that they can be adjusted to accommodate the changing shape of your feet due to swelling. Shoes that are too narrow will restrict your circulation.

When buying shoes, have your feet measured as your foot size usually changes during the pregnancy. When wearing hosiery, try to ensure that it is seamless to avoid constriction. To reduce oedema, elevate your feet as often as possible. If you are sitting for long periods of time or going on a flight, take regular breaks to walk and stretch to promote healthy blood flow. Swelling is usually similar in both feet. If you find that your swelling is not symmetrical, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor should also be contacted if you get swelling in your hands or face.

Throughout your pregnancy, exercise regularly. The most suitable exercise tends to be walking. Ensure that you have good walking sneakers and wear socks. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your system; this will also help the body to retain less fluid. Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in salt and sugar. This will be good for your health and the babies.

On a parting note, if any problem persists, contact your doctor immediately.

Angela Davis BSc (Hons) DPodM MChS is a podiatrist with offices in Montego Bay (293-7119), Mandeville (962-2100), Ocho Rios (974-6339), and Savanna-la-Mar (955-3154). She is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council in the United Kingdom.