Pregnant and the Olympics are not two words most people would put in the same sentence; But at the 2012 London Olympics, Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi of Malaysia represented her country for the air rifle competition, eight months pregnant! Just weeks away from her due date, Mohd Taibi reported “I only feel pain when I walk too much...  sometimes I forget that I’m pregnant.”  And though she not the most decorated Olympian like Michael Phelps, she now holds her own Olympic record as the most pregnant Olympian.  At eight months pregnant Mohd Taibi, like many current day mothers-to-be, does not have time to be slowed down by foot pain. Many soon-to-be-moms are burdened by everything from back pain and cramping calves, to swollen ankles and sore feet.  Pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc on your body, and your feet are no exception.  Foot pain experienced during pregnancy is due to the increased hormone levels coupled with the extra weight of the baby.  Women may develop:

• Flat feet
• Swelling in their feet and lower legs
• Over-pronation: when ankles roll inward

As the pregnancy progresses, the increasing weight may make the problem worse; Causing walking to be very painful, as well as other issues such as sore knees and back due to the added strain.  Our Olympian Mohd Taibi represents Malaysia where the warm humid conditions cause even further difficulties, such as increased swelling and risk of foot infections - both fungal and bacterial.  The Jacksonville area certainly competes with Malaysia in this regard this time of year. Ammunition to keep your baby-bump bliss right on target:

• Aim at taking time off your feet: Taking time to rest and elevate your legs will help reduce swelling
• Choose correct footwear for your pregnant feet: Feet change size throughout your pregnancy so have them measured accordingly
• Custom made Orthotics can control or prevent the over-pronation which leads to other body aches

Jump the gun on foot pain and make an appointment before pregnancy related foot problems become more advanced and difficult to treat.  Come see us at First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic for assistance to prevent expected pregnancy-related foot problems and for expert treatment of any problems you may already b experiencing. This will be the straightest shot at keeping your feet healthy during your pregnancy.