Pregnancy is generally accompanied by plenty of changes in the musculoskeletal system, which is particularly eminent in the spine and lower extremities.
Taking care of your feet when pregnant, by wearing the correct footwear can make a huge difference in comfort and injury prevention.
How Pregnancy Affects your Feet and Lower Limbs
Durning pregnancy, you do not only get to look forward to a body and feet that aches all over, but likewise feet and other body parts that will become permanently changed
- The length, width, and arches of your feet will change, and become longer, wider and flatter. In the end, you may end up with feet that are permanently longer and wider, and a flat arch.
This along with swelling and Edema in your feet from water retention during pregnancy.
- The joints in your entire body are going to become laxer as you progress through pregnancy, causing instability, and gaining weight can worsen your instability.
- Along with your calves and the rest of you, your feet will swell and ache, which can make it painful to walk or stand.
Staying off Your Feet During Pregnancy
If there is one piece of advice I could give you during your last trimester in pregnancy, it is to STAY OFF YOUR FEET!!!
Relax and lie down, make sure you eat healthy and not too much, as weight gain must be kept under wraps.
Staying off your feet will reduce pain and swelling, and prevent damage to your joints. Likewise, you will want to be well-rested before the baby comes, as, after that, there is no rest for a very long time!!
Characteristics of a Good Shoe for Pregnancy
During pregnancy I would not advise going bare feet, but the wrong type of shoes can be just as hazardous.
Obviously, you will need to stay away from heeled shoes, though flat shoes that offer no support are just as precarious. Make sure that you opt for a flat shoe that is well cushioned and has a thick, slip-resistant outsole to prevent slips.
You will also need to consider that your feet are going to swell immensely,, therefore, a flexible shoe, or shoe with a wider fit is ideal. You can similarly consider going up a size or a half.
Lastly, let’s not forget about mobility, eventually you will not be able to reach your feet at all, so slip-on’s and slide-ins are the way to go.
Reviews: The Best Shoes for Pregnancy
Propet Women's Travelactiv Slip On Fashion Sneaker - Slip On Walking Shoe
The Propet Travelactiv is a walking shoe, that offers every feature you will need for swollen and aching feet, roomy and flexible toe area, a comfortable fit and breathability to keep your feet cool.
Top Features:
- A lightweight and flexible outsole manufactured from rubber for good slip resistance.
- Breathable mesh and synthetic uppers with a more flexible fit that will stretch as necessary.
- The footbed is removable and well-cushioned, offering excellent support and comfort where you need it the most.
- Available in a variety of stunning colors to choose from.
Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs (Best Sellers), Black, 6 Men/8 Women - Comfortable Shoes for Pregnancy
Crocs offer shoes that are soft and comfortable with a wider and adjustable fit, ideal for swollen feet and the discomforts associated with pregnancy.
Top Features:
- A wider fit with a heel strap for a more secure fit, or without for an easy slip on and off fit.
- A durable rubber sole offers good slip resistance.
- Manufactured from soft foamy, quick-drying, odor-resistant materials that are comfortable and supportive.
- Breathable ventilation ports to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
- Available in every color you can imagine.
A2 by Aerosoles Women's in Between Ballet Flat - Ballet Flats for Pregnant Women
This gorgeous dress flat from Aerosoles will have you walking on the clouds. An ideal shoe for an evening out, that will keep you comfortable and well supported.
Top Features:
- Durable and soft uppers with buckle detail and stitch and turn technology.
- A very slight heel for a touch of sophistication.
- A few color options are available for you to consider.
- There is double padded memory foam inside to offer plush cushioning.
- A durable, slip-resistant diamond, patterned outsole.
UGG Women's Classic Short II Fashion Boot, magenta rose, 6 M US - Ankle Boot for Pregnant Women
For winter pregnancies, there is nothing like the classic UGG boot with its warm lining and soft and supple leather. Also ideal to wear on occasions such as shopping, meeting friends, plus they are a great fashion statement.
Top Features:
- The uppers are manufactured from pure sheepskin with twin-face wool on the inside and suede on the outside.
- Very flexible and supple allowing more than enough toe and foot room, and flexible comfort.
- A Treadlite, lightweight rubber outsole for better grip.
- The leather is pre-treated to be water and stain-resistant.
- Available in a few color options to choose from.
Birkenstock New Women's Arizona Vegan Sandal Pull Up Bordeaux 39 R - Sandal for Pregnant Women
Birkenstocks are sandals that offer a soft and comfortable cork footbed to soften the impact on your feet, along with adjustable softly lined buckle straps, a great fit for wider feet.
Top Features:
- The uppers straps are made from soft genuine leather with adjustable metal pin buckles for a customizable fit.
- The footbed is anatomically shaped with cork-latex and a microfiber lining, for dry and comfortable feet.
- The sole is cushioned with EVA and has a tough and slip-resistant tread, to prevent slips and trips.
- Available in many color options to choose from, that will brighten your day.
Clarks womens Sillian Bella Mary Jane Flat, Black, 8.5 US - Orthopedic Mary Jane Flat for Pregnant Women
A classic-styled Mary Jane Flat with a wider fit for swollen feet and a comfortable Cloude Stepper Footbed.
Top Features:
- Soft and flexible textile uppers.
- A wider fit and more toe room.
- Cloudtsepper comfort footbed.
- An Ortholite cushioned insole.
- High traction rubber outsole.
Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Sneaker, Black, 7.5 Wide - Slip on Pregnancy Sneakers
The Skechers Go Walk Joy are comfortable slip-on sneakers with a flexible top that is ideal for pregnant ladies.
Top Features:
- Soft and flexible textile uppers with a breathable texture.
- A soft interior lining and padded collar.
- Features the Cushioned 5 Genenration midsole and responsive cushioning.
- Very lightweight and flexible design with a rubber outsole for slip resistance.
In Conclusion
Women undergo many changes during pregnancy, which also puts them at greater risk for developing arthritis and pain in their knees, hips feet, and spines. You may be aching all over, and generally feeling heavy and uncomfortable during your last trimester, so take good care of yourself.
The least any women can do in this regard is to ensure that she is wearing the right footwear!
Index Table: Top Rated Shoes for Pregnancy
