By now, you are well aware that legs swell during pregnancy. During the third trimester, eight out of 10 women also notice that they have to buy wider, more comfortable shoes. About 44 percent of pregnant women discover their feet are now half a size (or even a whole size) bigger [1]. And after childbirth, some find that their new size is permanent.
Do feet grow during pregnancy?
The width of a pregnant woman’s feet can increase due to fluid retention, not because of any changes in the bones of the feet. Studies show that the average foot swells by 57 ml during pregnancy, and two months after giving birth, swelling goes down by only 8-9 ml. About 78 percent of women say their feet do not return to their pre-pregnancy width. And 29 percent say their feet are now longer [1]. That can be mostly attributed to hormones (especially relaxin), which allow ligaments and tendons to become more elastic and extensible. Considering the additional weight pressing down on them, it is easy to see how the feet can flatten out.
Can orthopedic insoles or special shoes prevent an increase in shoe size?
In theory, they can. Research shows that the foot lengthens because the arch stretches out a little. Pregnancy weight can place additional pressure on the feet, making the arches flatter, thus adding millimeters to the length of the foot [2].
Many believe that by wearing insoles that support the arch, a woman can avoid significant changes to her feet while expecting. However, studies on special shoes and insoles have only been done in small groups, and the results are not consistent [3]. So, unfortunately, it appears there’s not much reason to hope that orthopedic shoes or insoles will help maintain your foot size during pregnancy.
