Your shoes no longer fit and you are not sure your feet will ever go back. Foot growth during pregnancy is very common and for many women, the change is permanent. Understanding why it happens helps you plan ahead - and buy new shoes without feeling like it is a temporary problem.
Why Feet Grow in Pregnancy
Two main forces cause feet to grow. First, relaxin loosens all the ligaments in the body including those in the feet, allowing the arch to flatten and the bones to spread outward. Second, the extra weight of pregnancy - typically 10-15kg - compresses the arch and causes the foot to elongate and widen under load.
| Mechanism | Effect on Foot |
|---|---|
| Relaxin loosening ligaments | Arch flattens, foot widens |
| Increased body weight | Arch compresses further under load |
| Fluid retention | Temporary swelling adds width |
| Gait changes | Altered walking pattern affects arch loading |
Does It Go Back
A 2013 study in the American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation followed women before and after their first pregnancy. On average, foot length increased by 2-10mm, and for most women, it did not fully return after birth. Women who had multiple pregnancies showed more permanent change than those with one child. About 60-70% of women report a permanent half to full shoe size increase after their first pregnancy.
Practical Advice
- Buy comfortable, supportive shoes during pregnancy rather than forcing old ones
- Get your feet measured properly - do not assume your pre-pregnancy size
- Wear supportive footwear with good arch support throughout pregnancy
- Elevate your feet to manage swelling, but do not expect it to reverse the structural changes
- After birth, wait until swelling has fully resolved (usually 6-8 weeks) before buying new shoes