A few months after the birth of my baby darling, my husband and I finally planned our first date night, with a grandmother who was more than happy to babysit her little girl. The plan was perfect: dinner at our favorite restaurant, with an outfit carefully chosen for the occasion. But when it came time to put on my Jimmy Choo pumps—the ones I only wear for special occasions—disaster struck: my feet refused to fit in! After weeks of wearing nothing but sneakers and sandals, they looked slightly… different. So what happened to my feet during pregnancy?
Why is foot size change after pregnancy so common?
Yes, the change in foot size after pregnancy is a real phenomenon! During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin , which helps to relax the pelvic ligaments in preparation for childbirth. But it doesn't stop at the pelvis: this hormone also acts on the ligaments of the feet, making them more flexible and a little more "stretchable". Result? Feet can lengthen and widen, sometimes by half a size or more!
In addition to relaxin, the added weight of pregnancy can cause the arch of the foot to collapse slightly. It's as if, after nine months of intense exercise, our feet decide to "take their ease."
Do the feet return to their original size?
Well... not always . In some cases, feet keep this new size permanently. Many moms end up having to say goodbye to certain pairs of shoes after pregnancy.
What to do? Some practical advice
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Accept and adapt : If your feet seem to have grown a size, it's worth investing in shoes that fit well and are comfortable. Opt for styles that provide good arch support, and wider shoes to avoid compression.
Choose adjustable shoes : If you're hoping to get your feet back to their original size, look for adjustable shoes, such as those with straps or elastic.
Foot Strengthening Exercises : Certain arch strengthening exercises, such as toe stretches and foot strength exercises, can help reduce a collapsed arch.
A message from mom to moms
To all the moms out there worrying about that post-pregnancy foot size change, remember that every extra inch tells a story: about your baby, your strength, and the incredible adventure you've just been on. And who knows, maybe a new excuse to expand your shoe collection isn't so bad after all!
Celine
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