Your pregnancy is also a time for you to pay attention to all parts of your body and not just your growing tummy. Feet, for that matter, are quite affected during pregnancy. Here is what you need to know.

Painful Flat Feet

The body releases the hormone relaxin to help the pelvis open for delivery. However, the ligaments in the feet and ankle also relax, becoming more flexible and appearing flat.

The additional weight gain during pregnancy also causes the arch of the foot to flatten out and the resultant strain on the feet, calves and back causes pain in your feet.

Wearing appropriate footwear and foot massages can help relieve the pain to a great extent.

Swollen Feet

Swelling of the feet or edema occurs usually during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. The increased blood volume and blood pressure, in turn, lead to greater water retention and cause swelling in the legs and feet.

Regular walking, avoiding long periods of sitting, placing the feet on a chair or stool in a raised manner when sitting can help reduce the swelling in your feet. Medical practitioners also suggest reducing salt intake and staying hydrated for reducing edema.

Cracked Heels and Ingrown Toenails

Changes in the body weight during pregnancy are also responsible for the occurrence of cracked heels and ingrown toenails in many women.

Regular salt-water foot soaks and baths along with keeping the feet clean and moisturised helps tackle these problems. Taking care of your feet right from the start of your pregnancy can help keep pain and soreness at bay.