Do Your Feet Get Bigger During Pregnancy?
Uh oh, can my feet get bigger from being pregnant? In a word …yes!
Not every woman’s feet get bigger during pregnancy but about 50-75% of women will experience about a half size larger after pregnancy.
Why is that?
It has to do with your arches flattening out just a little. You might think that weight gain would be a contributor but it actually comes from the production of the hormone called ‘relaxin’, which is 10 times more concentrated when a woman is pregnant.
Here’s what happens. Having a baby requires several parts of your body to expand. In order for you body to prepare itself for this expansion process, it releases the ‘relaxin’ hormone. As its name implies, ‘relaxin’ helps ‘relax’ certain joints and ligaments in preparation for your baby to pass through the birth canal. This loosening isn’t limited to just your pelvis or your ribcage, it can also expand the ligaments in your feet as well.
Don’t confuse getting bigger feet with swollen feet during pregnancy. Swollen feet or edema is fairly normal because your body retains more water during pregnancy. This swelling is most often an issue during the third trimester, particularly at the end of the day. It may be worse during the summer.
You should be concerned if you experience swelling in your face, hands or excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles. This could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition. Women who suffer from preeclampsia that don’t respond to treatment often require a c-section.
What can I do to prevent getting bigger feet?
Unfortunately it comes with the territory. Things like wearing arch supports and watching your weight might help but they’re probably more likely to offer a psychological benefit than anything else.
The moral of the story? Don’t buy new shoes until after baby is born.
There is a bright side …the increase in size is so minimal, no one but you will really notice! 
