Pregnancy - Can it affect my feet?
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time, but it also places new demands on your body, including your feet and legs. Many women experience changes such as swelling, aching arches, and tired legs during pregnancy. These changes are completely normal but can often be managed effectively with the right care and support. Understanding how pregnancy affects your feet can help you stay active, comfortable, and confident throughout all stages.
Here is an audio snippet of our Podiatrist Timothy Leahy discussing pregnancy and flat feet on ABC radio.
Link to audio
Why Feet Change During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps prepare the pelvis for childbirth by loosening ligaments. This hormone affects all the ligaments in your body, including those in your feet. As a result, the arches can gradually flatten and the foot may lengthen slightly. Combined with weight gain and fluid retention, this can change how your feet bear load and move.
The growing baby also shifts your centre of gravity forward, increasing strain on the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The result can be a feeling of heaviness, fatigue, or swelling, particularly towards the end of the day. For some women, these changes are temporary. For others, they can lead to long-term changes in foot structure and posture if not addressed early.
Common Foot and Leg Symptoms During Pregnancy
Swelling or puffiness around the ankles and feet is very common due to increased blood volume and fluid retention. Flat feet or collapsed arches may develop as ligaments loosen and body weight increases. Heel pain or plantar fasciitis can occur when extra pressure is placed on the arch. Calf cramps or tightness are frequent at night due to changes in circulation. Some women also notice increased leg or ankle instability, particularly in the later months.
While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are often manageable with early intervention and small daily adjustments.
How Podiatry Can Help
At Enhance Podiatry, we work closely with expecting mothers to reduce pain, maintain mobility, and prevent long-term issues. A full foot and gait assessment helps us understand how your body is adapting and where extra support is needed. From this, we can design a personalised management plan that may include:
• Footwear advice to ensure your shoes offer appropriate cushioning, width, and support for changing foot shape
• Custom or prefabricated orthotics to support the arches and relieve strain on joints and ligaments
• Calf and foot stretching programs to reduce cramping and improve circulation
• Strategies for swelling such as gentle movement, leg elevation, and compression hosiery
• Safe nail and skin care to manage common concerns like thickened nails, corns, or calluses
We also educate our patients on how to prepare their feet for the postpartum period, when ligament laxity and balance changes may continue for several months after birth.
Practical Tips for Comfort During Pregnancy
Choose supportive, properly fitted shoes with a low heel and stable base. Avoid flat, unsupportive footwear such as thongs or ballet flats. Gentle daily movement, such as walking or swimming, encourages circulation and reduces swelling. Stretch your calves before bed to help prevent cramping. Elevate your legs when possible and avoid standing for long periods without rest.
Most importantly, listen to your body. If pain or swelling increases, seek professional advice early to prevent longer-term discomfort.
Moving Forward After Pregnancy
After childbirth, some changes in foot shape may remain. Continuing supportive footwear and exercises can help your feet recover strength and stability. A podiatry review after birth ensures your foot posture and gait have returned to normal and helps prevent issues as you return to higher levels of activity.
Taking Care of Yourself
Pregnancy is a period of change and growth, and caring for your feet is an important part of maintaining your overall wellbeing. By supporting your feet through each stage, you can stay comfortable, mobile, and ready to enjoy this special time in your life.
At Enhance Podiatry, we are committed to helping you move comfortably and confidently throughout pregnancy and beyond. Book an appointment today and let us help you stay strong on your feet as you prepare for life’s next chapter.