Changes in foot function throughout pregnancy

• Published in: Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953) Vol. 97; no. 4; p. S39
• Main Authors: Goldberg, Jay, Besser, Marcus P., Selby-Silverstein, Lisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.05.2001; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• ISSN: 0029-7844; 1873-233X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0029-7844(01)01235-2

Purpose: To determine changes in foot use and foot pressure patterns during pregnancy. Methods: Thirteen pregnant women were enrolled in the study. At least once during each trimester, foot pressure was measured during barefoot walking using a computerized foot pressure measurement system. Morphologic structure and postural alignment of the feet were recorded. Location and severity of pain in the body and lower extremities also were recorded. For analysis, the feet were partitioned into three regions: hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. In each region, peak pressure during walking was identified for each foot. Floor contact time (stance time) and impulse (force integral) for each foot were calculated. Data were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation and analysis of variance. Results: As pregnancy progressed, floor contact times (time with foot contacting the ground) increased ( r = 0.39, P = 0.0007). Impulse (the integral of the floor contact force) also increased ( r = 0.21, P = 0.0171). Subjects had increasing hindfoot peak pressure ( r = 0.085, P = 0.0044) and decreasing forefoot peak pressure ( r = 0.13, P = 0.0121). Conclusions: Consistent progressive changes in foot use and foot pressure patterns were seen during pregnancy. Floor contact times increased, indicating a progressively slower walking speed. Hindfoot peak pressure increased, while forefoot peak pressure decreased. Increasing impulse demonstrates greater overall foot load bearing. Future correlation of these changes with musculoskeletal pain may help us to better understand pregnancy’s effect on function of the lower extremities and development of pain.