MD Podiatrist Discusses How Pregnancy Can Increase Foot Size

No two pregnancies are exactly the same and every person’s body reacts differently. That said, there are certain biological things that happen during this time that can lead to some common bodily shifts — including swollen feet. “During pregnancy, many patients notice that their feet become flatter and sometimes slightly longer or wider,” says Dan Michaels, DPM. “The arch often lowers because the ligaments that support the arch become more lax.”

All of these changes can result in needing a larger shoe size. “In my clinical experience, it is very common for women to increase by about half a shoe size, and some may increase by a full-size during pregnancy,” says Dr.  Michaels. “For many individuals, about half a size increase may remain even after pregnancy.”