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QUESTION: “There are plenty of maternity clothes for expectant mothers. But is there such a thing as ‘maternity shoes’?” BL. Veenendaal, Amsterdam |
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No, specific ‘maternity’ shoes do not exist. However, it is very important to take extra care of your feet whilst pregnant by wearing appropriate shoes. During pregnancy your body goes through many changes. Firstly, weight increases changing the body’s centre of gravity resulting in a change of posture. With heightened hormones, ligaments and muscles around the joints – including ankles – weaken, increasing the risk of spraining and falling. A lot of pregnant women suffer from swollen feet and ankles, which is caused by the fact that the body no longer drains fluids as effectively. Also due to the changing hormones, vascular walls will weaken increasing the risk of developing varicose veins. All sounds a little horrific yet there is no reason why with the correct foot wear you can’t have complete comfort. |
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Shoes can be a big contributing factor to your sense of wellbeing. Therefore, we recommend that all expectant mothers wear well-fitted, comfortable leather shoes with a supportive footbed and heel. The shoes must not pinch anywhere. This now is more important than ever. A shoe with a wide tread provides more stability and adjustable shoes are more comfortable especially if you have swollen feet. Keep in mind that you may need a size larger than normal as the foot may sag slightly during pregnancy. High heels are really not recommended, especially during the last months. Not only are you less steady on your feet, heels impede the blood flow in legs and feet, your posture won’t be great, which could all lead to back pain. We advise that heels are put away during the time of pregnancy. |
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- If there is enough room in the shoe, insert leather insoles for additional support and comfort.
- If you are a fan of boots, please make sure they are not too tight, especially around the calves.
- The further you go in to pregnancy, bending down and tying shoelaces will become more difficult. Slip on shoes may be a more practical and a preferred option.
- Do you have a predisposition to varicose veins? Elastic stockings could be a great preventative.
- To help with swollen feet and ankles, rest them at an elevated angle above the hip to help drain excess fluid.
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