During pregnancy, your body undergoes countless changes, both obvious and subtle. While many expectant mothers prioritize purchasing maternity leggings and nursing bras, finding the best shoes to support your evolving feet is equally as important. Foot pain and back pain often arise during the second or third trimester, as your feet bear the brunt of your body's weight. As Silver Springs-based podiatrist Priya Parthasarathy explains, pregnancy hormones, weight gain, and swelling cause a domino effect of changes in your feet. Your center of gravity shifts forward, leading to balance issues and an increased risk of falling. That's why investing in supportive shoes is essential for ensuring your comfort and safety during pregnancy.
So, what changes can you expect in your feet during pregnancy? Hormones like relaxin cause ligaments to loosen, which leads to joint stretching and a lengthening and widening of your feet. Additionally, the necessary weight gain can cause your arches to collapse and your feet to lengthen, potentially leading to issues like plantar fasciitis. To alleviate these discomforts and reduce your risk of injury, we've compiled a list of recommended pregnancy shoes from top podiatrists.