Foot health status in pregnant women

Pregnancy is associated with physiological changes such as increased body mass index, postural changes, hormonal imbalance and changes in foot morphology. Due to an increased uterus and body mass, the centre of gravity is displaced anteriorly and superiorly as a means to produce and maintain stability and balance. An influx of relaxin mostly in the third trimester leads to ligament laxity which in turn causes the feet to become longer, flatter and broader. This structural change may remain permanent in some women. Structural changes, increased body weight and increased pressure in the lower limbs may also lead to lower limb oedema which makes it harder to find adequate fitting shoes and may be associated with causing or exacerbating foot pain in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to determine the overall Foot Health Status (FHS) in pregnant women and also to compare the foot health status in the different trimesters.

A quantitative approach, using a descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized and a validated foot health status questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 1.04 program and presented in the form of tables.

All pregnant women had a poor foot health status in the area of vigour, particularly in the third trimester. In the third trimester, women's physical activity was diminished and they appeared to have greater footwear difficulties. However, it was found that despite having minimal foot pain, pregnant women maintained good foot function and good social capacity. The least amount of foot pain was felt in the second trimester.

As a woman progresses in her pregnancy, her foot health status declined in the areas of footwear, physical activity and vigour.