Changes in your feet during pregnancy are common and often treatable at home.
You may have foot cramps and swelling, more noticeable veins, and even toenail problems.
Foot and Heel Problems During Pregnancy
The levels of hormones in your body increase duringpregnancy.
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Some of these hormones relax ligaments and other structures to prepare the body for a vaginal birth.
These same hormones also relax the ligaments in other parts of your body including your feet.
Lax ligaments can lead toflat feet (fallen arches)andoverpronation.
Loosening of ligaments can also increase your shoe size during pregnancy.
Pregnancy hormones can also cause changes in the blood vessels, which can lead to swelling.
You may notice that your shoes are getting too tight.
Increases in your foot size from swelling are common, but also temporary.
These could be signs of a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication calledpreeclampsia.
Leg cramps are most common during the second trimester of pregnancy.
They can happen both day and night but are more common at night.
They can look like twisted, purple cords or strings.
Increased blood volume and pregnancy hormones cause changes in the blood vessels that can lead to varicose veins.
Nail changes will usually go away after you give birth.
However, changes in your body while youre pregnant can sometimes be a sign of a problem.
This can be a sign of a potentially serious condition called preeclampsia.
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