Pregnancy leads to lasting changes in foot structure.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective longitudinal cohort study evaluating women from the first trimester to postpartum
PubMed 23117270 · doi:10.1097/PHM.0b013e31827443a9
What was done
Forty-nine women completed a longitudinal study assessing whether pregnancy-related loss of foot arch height persists postpartum. Static and dynamic arch measurements were collected during the first trimester and at 19 weeks postpartum. Linear mixed models evaluated whether outcome measures changed significantly overall or differed by parity.
What was found
The abstract reports directional findings without specific numerical values, effect sizes, or p-values. Arch height and rigidity indices significantly decreased from the first trimester to 19 weeks postpartum, accompanied by increases in foot length and arch drop. The first pregnancy accounted for the reduction in arch rigidity and increases in foot length and arch drop. No significant changes were detected in the center of pressure excursion index.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that foot structural changes occurring in pregnancy—specifically loss of arch height and lengthening—may be permanent rather than transient, particularly after a first pregnancy. This could help explain the elevated risk of lower-extremity musculoskeletal disorders observed in parous women.
Limits
The sample size was small (49 women), and the study lacked a non-pregnant control group. Follow-up ended at 19 weeks postpartum, limiting conclusions about lifetime permanence. The abstract reports no numerical estimates or confidence intervals.
Cited by
- supports Women's feet permanently or temporarily enlarge during pregnancy and childbirth.