Foot Care During Pregnancy: A Complete Guide
Foot Care During Pregnancy: A Complete Guide
By Sylke Bommel Ā· Updated August 2026 Ā· 7 min read
Key Takeaways
- Swollen feet (edema) affect an estimated 80% of women at some point in pregnancy, most often in the third trimester
- Swelling happens because pregnancy increases body fluid and blood volume while the growing uterus slows circulation from the legs
- A controlled clinical trial found Epsom salt foot soaks significantly reduced foot swelling in pregnant women compared to foot exercises alone
- Sudden or severe swelling, especially with headache or vision changes, can signal preeclampsia and needs urgent medical attention
- Comfortable, supportive footwear and elevating the feet regularly help manage everyday pregnancy foot changes
Why Do Feet Change So Much During Pregnancy?
Feet change during pregnancy mainly because of fluid retention, weight gain, and hormone-driven loosening of the ligaments that support the foot's arch.
Body fluid volume can increase substantially over the course of pregnancy, and much of that extra fluid settles in the lower legs and feet due to gravity and slower venous return. At the same time, the hormone relaxin loosens ligaments throughout the body, including in the feet, which is why some women find their shoe size increases permanently after pregnancy.
What Causes Swollen Feet in Pregnancy?
Swollen feet in pregnancy, known as edema, happen because the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins carrying blood back from the legs, combined with the body holding onto more fluid overall.
This is most noticeable in the third trimester, especially by the end of the day or after standing for long periods. Heat, long periods on your feet, and high salt intake can all make swelling more noticeable, though mild swelling itself is considered a normal part of pregnancy.
When Is Foot Swelling a Warning Sign?
Sudden, severe, or one-sided foot swelling, particularly with headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain, can be a sign of preeclampsia and needs immediate medical attention.
Mild, gradual swelling that worsens through the day and improves overnight or after resting with feet elevated is typically normal. Any sharp change from your usual pattern of swelling is worth calling your provider about rather than waiting it out.
Managing Everyday Foot Swelling and Discomfort
Elevating the feet, wearing supportive shoes, staying hydrated, and gentle foot soaks are the main evidence-informed ways to manage everyday pregnancy foot swelling.
Resting with feet elevated above heart level for short periods several times a day helps fluid drain back toward the body. Compression stockings, worn as advised by your provider, can also help. Perhaps counterintuitively, drinking more water, not less, tends to help, since dehydration can prompt the body to retain more fluid.
A randomized clinical trial of pregnant women found that an Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) foot soak reduced foot swelling significantly more than foot exercises alone, giving this simple home ritual real evidence behind it.
Choosing Footwear During Pregnancy
The best pregnancy footwear is supportive, has a wide toe box, and accommodates the fact that feet often swell and can permanently increase in size.
Avoid tight or narrow shoes that were comfortable pre-pregnancy, since feet may not fit them by the third trimester. Low, stable heels with good arch support reduce strain on the changing ligaments in the foot and lower back.
A Simple Pregnancy Foot Care Routine
A basic pregnancy foot care routine includes daily elevation, supportive shoes, gentle stretching, and an occasional warm foot soak.
Imperial Feet's Wellness & Detox Foot Soak XL is designed for exactly this kind of end-of-day ritual, softening tired, swollen-feeling skin while you rest with your feet elevated. As with any pregnancy self-care product, check with your midwife or doctor before adding anything new to your routine, particularly in the third trimester.
~80%
of women experience noticeable foot or ankle swelling at some point during pregnancy, most often in the third trimester
When to Call Your Doctor About Foot Swelling
- āSudden or severe swelling that appears within a day or two
- āSwelling in only one foot or leg
- āSwelling accompanied by headache, vision changes, or abdominal pain
- āSwelling that doesn't improve with rest and elevation
- āAny swelling paired with shortness of breath or chest pain
ā ļø Important: Sudden or severe foot swelling, especially with headache or vision changes, can be a sign of preeclampsia. Contact your doctor or midwife promptly rather than waiting.
Wellness & Detox Foot Soak XL
Wellness & Detox Foot Soak XL is a gentle end-of-day ritual for tired, swollen-feeling pregnancy feet, best used while resting with feet elevated.
View Wellness & Detox Foot Soak XLFrequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for feet to swell during pregnancy?
Yes, mild to moderate foot swelling is a normal part of pregnancy for most women, especially in the third trimester, caused by increased fluid volume and pressure on the veins from the growing uterus.
Do foot soaks help with pregnancy swelling?
A randomized clinical trial found Epsom salt foot soaks significantly reduced foot swelling in pregnant women compared to foot exercises alone, so there is real evidence supporting this as a home remedy.
Why do feet get bigger during pregnancy?
Feet can get bigger due to fluid retention and swelling, but also because the pregnancy hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments supporting the foot's arch, which can cause a lasting increase in foot size even after delivery.
What foot swelling during pregnancy is dangerous?
Sudden, severe, or one-sided swelling, especially combined with headache, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain, can signal preeclampsia and should prompt an immediate call to your doctor or midwife.
Can I use a foot soak product while pregnant?
Most gentle, fragrance-conscious foot soaks are considered safe for everyday pregnancy self-care, but it's always worth checking the ingredient list with your midwife or doctor, particularly in the third trimester.
Clinical Sources
- Merck Manual Consumer Version. Swelling During Late Pregnancy. Women's Health section, Merck & Co.
- Macwan KR, Savaliya PK. Effectiveness of Foot Exercise and Epsom Salt Water on Reduction of Foot Oedema among Antenatal Mothers. J Clin Diagn Res. 2021;15(5):LC23-LC26.
- Talbot L, Maclennan K. Physiology of pregnancy. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine. 2016;17(7):341-345.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Patient guidance on preeclampsia warning signs and swelling in pregnancy.
Related Reading
- Foot care tips to pamper moms-to-be
- How to increase blood flow on your feet?
- Cracked Heels: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Owner, Imperial Feet ā Third-Generation Foot Care
Sylke Bommel is the owner and third-generation leader of Imperial Feet, the Dutch professional foot care brand her grandfather founded in 2001. Raised in Aruba and based in Haarlem, just outside Amsterdam, she has led the brand's international expansion for over a decade, growing Imperial Feet from a single Dutch distributor to a professional range used by pedicurists, podiatrists, and pharmacies in more than 20 countries, including the United States.
Editorial note: Sylke writes from the perspective of a foot care brand owner and formulator, not a medical practitioner. Content is educational and does not replace individual medical advice from a qualified foot care professional.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice from a qualified foot care professional. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, or a persistent infection, consult a podiatrist before self-treating.
