Why does pregnancy impact on a woman’s feet ?

The physical changes associated with pregnancy are many and varied. Of significance is the need for a woman’s muscles and ligaments to stretch and relax to accommodate the weight and pressure of growing a baby. The endocrine system secretes the hormones – progesterone and relaxin – that facilitate this process of relaxation. As a result, many muscles and ligaments in the body are affected including the muscles of the feet and ankle.

Our feet play an important role, as the body’s shock absorbers and in providing us with the ability to be upright and mobile. During a pregnancy , it is the feet that ‘shoulder the burden’ of carrying both the mother and baby through the 10 month gestation. In addition, it is the feet that continue to bear the weight of the woman post-birthing, who may get little rest as she cares and carries her newborn (and other family members). From babyhood, infancy and early childhood, a woman will continue to carry her child for a considerable period in addition to all the accessories that accompany motherhood such as nappy bags, shopping bags, etc.

The muscles and ligaments that are responsible for the normal arch of the foot slacken during pregnancy causing flat feet. This can lead to a tendency to roll the foot inwards when walking (pronation). The foot also elongates making previously well fitting shoes too small ! And remember a woman’s feet may remain 1/2 size larger in the long term after the pregnancy.

Feet can become unbearably sore and the pregnant woman’s experience of fatigue is further compounded. Women may develop the typical ‘waddle’ as their body attempts to overcome the shift in their center of gravity. They may also have a greater risk of ankle injury if they don’t take the appropriate care during and after the pregnancy.

What can a woman do to care for her feet whilst pregnant ?

The answer lies principally in providing support to her feet by wearing supportive footwear. Flat shoes, slippers, thongs are the last thing a woman’s feet needs because they don’t provide support but actually exacerbate the flattening effect caused by the loss of tone.

General care considerations include:

  • elevating the feet as often as possible

  • walking, yoga or aqua-exercise are ideal forms of gentle therapeutic exercise which aids circulation and assists with muscle tone

  • wearing supportive stockings to support the muscles /ligaments, to aid circulation and reduce swelling

  • seeking a podiatry review

  • Birkenstock-like sandals, arch support

During the pregnancy, reflexology can provide deep relaxation, improve foot comfort and enhance a woman’s pregnancy experience by reducing the ‘minor’ discomforts of pregnancy.

Reference: Lyndall Mollart & Simone Fitzgerald 2008

Pregnancy FAQ’s

  • Reflexology is second to none for pregnancy care. A concept of Reflexology is that it will balance and harmonise the being so that a woman can attain and maintain health and wellbeing. Reflexology as a natural therapy complements the natural state of pregnancy.

  • A really beneficial result of having a Reflexology treatment is that the woman’s own healing qualities are aided in minimising minor conditions of pregnancy. Reflexology can assist in easing many of the common discomforts of pregnancy such as backache, constipation, fatigue, morning sickness and oedema. Obviously any obstetric or medical problem needs to be treated by the appropriate experts.

  • The balancing and harmonising qualities of Reflexology can support the woman’s ability to shake off the effects of morning sickness. By stimulating, sedating and balancing certain points on the feet/hands/ears, many women find relief from the debilitating effects of morning (afternoon or evening) sickness.

    Ongoing severe morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum requires medical attention.

  • Reflexology is a natural therapy and cannot and will not cause the body to do something unnatural. However there are some acupuncture/acupressure points that are traditionally contra-indicated during pregnancy. The chance of accidentally touching these specific points is not dangerous to the pregnancy because these points need precise continual pressure to potentially have any effect.

  • A weekly Reflexology session would be excellent especially in the last 6 weeks. Research and feedback from many Maternity Reflexology practitioners shows that women who regularly receive Reflexology during pregnancy appear to have more chance of normal labour and childbirth and fewer requirements for medical pain relief and caesareans.

  • On the whole, no. It can be quite difficult to reach your feet. It is lovely to have a Maternity Reflexologist treat you. The Reflexologist can show your partner some simple techniques to use which many couples find comforting and loving.

 Compiled by Lyndall Mollart August 2008 www.maternity-reflexology.net