Pregnancy and Foot Pain: What You Can Do for Relief

Let’s be honest — growing a human is hard work.

Your body’s changing, your balance is shifting, and let’s not even talk about the late-night trips to the loo. But one pregnancy symptom that often takes mums-to-be by surprise?

Foot pain.

From swollen ankles to aching heels, your feet can feel the pressure in a big way. The good news? There are ways to ease the discomfort and keep you moving — even when your bump has a mind of its own.

Let’s dig into why foot pain happens during pregnancy, what you can do at home, and when to visit a podiatrist in Birtley for that much-needed relief.

Why Pregnancy Affects Your Feet

Here’s what’s going on:

• Weight gain – More weight = more pressure on your feet. It’s totally normal, but it does put extra strain on arches, heels, and joints.

• Hormonal changes – The hormone relaxin helps your body prepare for birth by loosening ligaments — including the ones in your feet. This can lead to flatter arches and a less stable step.

• Shifted posture and balance – As your centre of gravity moves forward, your feet work harder to keep you steady.

• Fluid retention – Swollen feet and ankles (hello, puffy shoes!) are common, especially in the third trimester.

It’s a perfect storm for tired, achy, swollen feet — but there’s plenty you can do to feel better.

Simple Relief Tips You Can Try at Home

1. Elevate your feet
   Kick up your heels (literally) for 15–20 minutes to help drain fluid and reduce swelling.

2. Wear supportive shoes
   Ditch the flimsy flats and unsupportive sandals. Look for shoes with arch support, cushioning, and a wide toe box.

3. Use cold packs
   Got puffy ankles? A cold compress can be your best friend — just don’t place ice directly on the skin.

4. Stretch it out
   Gentle foot and calf stretches can ease tension and reduce cramping — especially helpful if you get nighttime foot aches.

5. Stay active
   Walking (even in short bursts) boosts circulation and helps keep fluid from pooling in your lower legs.

6. Try gentle massage
   A light foot rub — or rolling a tennis ball under your feet — can do wonders for soreness.

When to See a Podiatrist

Some foot issues need more than home remedies. Visit a foot clinic in Birtley or see a podiatrist in Gateshead if:

• You have constant or worsening heel or arch pain.

• Walking becomes uncomfortable or painful.

• You’re developing bunions, flat feet, or corns that weren’t there before.

• You’re concerned about a change in how your feet look or feel.

Specialists can provide treatments like custom insoles, gentle therapies, and practical advice — all tailored for pregnancy.

Bonus Tip: Plan for After Baby Too

Many women’s foot issues don’t disappear straight after delivery. That’s why follow-up care matters. A foot pain specialist in Birtley can help you adjust to post-baby changes and prevent long-term issues from setting in.

Because once bub arrives, you’ll be on your feet a lot more than you might expect!

You Deserve to Feel Good — Feet Included

Pregnancy comes with enough surprises — foot pain doesn’t have to be one of them. With a few simple steps (and maybe a visit to your friendly podiatrist in Birtley), you can give your feet the TLC they deserve and stay steady through every trimester.