Pregnancy: Your Feet, Best Shoes & Orthotics

Pregnancy triggers many different changes in a woman’s body. Due to the natural weight gain during pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity is completely altered. This causes a new weight-bearing stance and added pressure to the knees and feet. Choosing proper fitting shoes and orthotics can help make pregnancy as comfortable as possible.

Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnant women are overpronation and edema. These problems can lead to pain at the heel, arch, or the ball-of-foot. Many women may also experience leg cramping and varicose veins due to additional weight gain.

OVERPRONATION

Many pregnant women suffer from overpronation due to the added pressure on the body as a result of weight gain. Overpronation, also referred to as flat feet, is caused when a person’s arch flattens out upon weight bearing and their feet roll inward when walking.

This can create extreme stress or inflammation on the plantar fascia, the fibrous band of tissue that runs from the heel to the forefoot. The added stress on the tissue can also cause plantar fasciitis. Overpronation can make walking very painful and can increase strain on the feet, calves, and/or back.

EDEMA

Edema, also referred to as swelling in the feet, normally occurs in the latter part of pregnancy. Edema results from the extra blood accumulated during pregnancy. The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis and legs causing circulation to slow down and blood to pool in the lower extremities.

The total water fluid in the body remains the same as before pregnancy; however, it becomes displaced. When feet are swollen, they can become purplish in color. Sometimes extra water is retained during pregnancy, adding to the swelling. Swelling during pregnancy is normally similar in both feet. If swelling is not symmetrical in both feet, this may be a sign of a vascular problem and a doctor should be contacted immediately.

IS IT OK TO PUT MY FEET UP?

Putting your feet up is a great way to reduce swelling in your feet. If you have to sit for long periods of time, try placing a small stool by your feet to elevate them. If you drive for long periods of time, try to take regular breaks to stretch your legs to promote circulation. Elevating your feet as often as possible will help blood flow and reduce swelling.

PREGNANCY FEET TIPS:

• Soak your feet in Epsom salt to improve blood circulation and prevent fluid from building up in the feet.
  
• Massage your feet to improve blood circulation.
  
• Exercise regularly to promote overall health; walking is the best exercise.

• Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and help retain less fluid.
  
• Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in salt that can cause water retention. 

BEST SHOES FOR PREGNANCY

Wearing appropriate shoes is an effective way to help manage both overpronation and edema during pregnancy. The best shoes for pregnancy are designed with arch support, medial rearfoot posting, and shock absorption to help relieve overpronation. Along with helping relieve pain, the prevention of overpronation will also help prevent other foot conditions from developing such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, metatarsalgia, and post-tibial tendonitis.

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

• Wear properly fitting footwear that support your feet.
  
• Avoid shoes that are too narrow or constricting.
  
• Measure your feet several times throughout your pregnancy as they will probably change sizes.

BEST SANDALS FOR PREGNANCY

Aetrex sandals and flip flops are the perfect way to get the support and comfort your feet need. All Aetrex shoes and orthotics have Aetrex Signature arch support built-in. The arch support helps proper alignment of the feet, ankles, and knees, thus helping to reduce pain or discomfort associated with overpronation. Anti-microbial top covers help to reduce moisture and odor that may be present.

Sandals that offer fully adjustable straps are great during pregnancy. This gives women a customized fit as their feet change throughout the different stages of their pregnancy. Along with built-in arch support, the Jess Sandal and Jillian Sandal are both adjustable at the forefoot and at the ankle.

BEST SNEAKERS FOR PREGNANCY

Sneakers are a great choice for comfort and support all year round. Every Aetrex sneaker includes a removable insole that features Aetrex's signature arch support, along with memory foam to cradle your foot in comfort and cushioning.

The Carly Sneakers will provide comfort for pregnant women with the supportive arch, Cobra Orthotic Technology, padded heel, pull tabs for easy on/off, adjustable laces, stretchy knit fabric, and rubber pods on the outsole.

BEST CLOGS FOR PREGNANCY

When cooler weather approaches, clogs are the perfect shoe for women to wear during pregnancy. They are easy to slip on, but also provide the proper support that pregnant feet need. All of our clogs include our signature arch support and memory foam footbed, which help relieve most common foot pains. Choose astyle that best suits your lifestyle like a fan-favorite, the Libby!

BEST SLIPPERS FOR PREGNANCY

Tired and pregnant feet need added support, even at home. Aetrex slippers incorporate Aetrex's signature arch support along with a memory foam footbed to promote proper alignment and help relieve common foot pain.

The Mandy Closed Toe Slippers are a great option for staying supported and cozy at home.

BEST ORTHOTICS FOR PREGNANCY

Orthotics can be a great way to give your feet the extra support they need throughout your pregnancy. Aetrex Orthotics can help give feet the support they need to make it through pregnancy feeling comfy, cushioned, and aligned. All Aetrex Orthotics feature the Aetrex Signature Arch Support to help biomechanically align your body & help prevent common foot pain such as plantar fasciitis, arch pain, and metatarsalgia. Using a posted orthotic will help keep the ankle in alignment to avoid pain and discomfort associated with overpronation.

• Aetrex Compete Orthotics are designed for active lifestyles, injury prevention and help to maintain overall fitness and health daily.
  
• Aetrex Casual Comfort Orthotics are designed for everyday wear and provides optimal support and cushioning.
  
• Aetrex Memory Foam Orthotics are designed to provide extraordinary comfort and support for those who are on their feet frequently and are experiencing pain or discomfort
  
• Aetrex Premium Memory Foam Orthotics are designed to provide ultimate comfort and cushioning with 43% more memory foam in the forefoot for those experiencing foot discomfort or fatigue.
  
• Aetrex Customizable Orthotics are designed with personalized comfort in mind and are engineered to help alleviate specific pressure points by removing gel pods in areas of discomfort.