The influence of body mass on foot dimensions during pregnancy.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Prospective longitudinal observational study without a control group
PubMed 25168196 · doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2014.08.004
What was done
Researchers surveyed 100 primigravid women about subjective foot discomfort. A subgroup of 30 women had their foot dimensions and body mass tracked from the 20th week of gestation until labor. Data from 5 of these women were used to construct a prediction model analyzing the influence of body mass on gestational foot changes.
What was found
Participants reported subjective foot discomfort linked to tight footwear. Between the 20th and 38th weeks of gestation, foot length increased by a mean of 0.86 cm (3.6%), width increased by 0.25 cm (2.6%), and rear foot surface area increased by 18.36 cm² (11.9%). Arch height decreased by an average of 0.52 cm (-24.2%). Body mass accounted for more than 90% of the variation (R²) in foot dimensions.
Why it matters
It quantifies anatomical foot changes and flattening during pregnancy, providing dimensional data to inform supportive footwear design and ergonomic interventions.
Limits
The predictive model was derived from only 5 participants, creating high risk of overfitting. There was no non-pregnant control group, baseline measurements began mid-pregnancy (week 20) rather than preconception, and postpartum recovery was not evaluated.
Cited by
- supports Women's feet permanently or temporarily enlarge during pregnancy and childbirth.