Your Feet Do NOT Grow During Pregnancy

There is a common belief that feet grow during pregnancy. The fact is they don’t actually “grow”. The bones don’t get longer, the organization of the bones is what changes depending on how you are standing.

This forward weight position also affects your pelvic floor, low back, knees and increases your chance of diastasis recti. This forward posture is not a result of pregnancy, it most likely existed before you even got pregnant. So, the above alignment tip applies to the nonpregnant as well.

So, back your ass up. If you’re having difficulty getting there without feeling like you’re falling backward check out this post>> HERE

Don’t forget to check your shoes! Transition to zero drop shoes (flat)! Whole Body Barefoot: Transitioning Well to Minimal Footwear is also a good place to start. Being in a positive heeled shoe will change the loads on your feet.

In the video below Dr. Ray McClanahan demonstrates two exercises for strengthening your intrinsic foot muscles.

What’s on my feet:

Correct Toes™

ToeSox Full Toe with Grip (Amazon affiliate link)

5 Comments

beth on July 10, 2015 at 10:53 pm

My left foot seems to have lengthened during my recent pregnancy, despite my best efforts at proper alignment. With continued proper alignment, will/can my foot go back to it’s original size?

Barbara Loomis, LMT, RES on July 11, 2015 at 1:15 am

Yes, its possible to restore the shape of the foot. Strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles will help. Check out Dr. Ray McClanahan’s video on strengthening intrinsic foot muscles,https://youtu.be/1Rf5kbP40po

Bonnie Haralson on July 12, 2017 at 4:24 pm

Thanks for including Dr McClanahan’s video…I’ve never actually seen a live person with feet that beautiful! A definite goal to work towards ( : His exercises are helpful, too!

Helen on July 15, 2017 at 1:50 pm

Thank you for all your wonderful advice. I was having a lot of problems with my back and feet. The foot doctor said it was because I had some toes tha were longer than the others…? He suggested surgery if it did not correct itself.
My PT took one look at my feet and said. “Get some Correct toes have better alignment as you so wonderfully demonstrated with the plumb line and do those foot exercises. Wow what a difference. Plus the bunion that was taking shape went away. Once again it’s finding the right man/woman for the job. I am very excited to be taking the weekend class with Barbara Loomis in October.

Barbara Loomis, LMT, RES on July 18, 2017 at 11:26 pm

Oh, that’s fantastic! Thanks for sharing. Good thing you didn’t have to surgically shorten those long toes! LOL
Glad you will be joining me in October!

beth on July 10, 2015 at 10:53 pm

My left foot seems to have lengthened during my recent pregnancy, despite my best efforts at proper alignment. With continued proper alignment, will/can my foot go back to it’s original size?
Barbara Loomis, LMT, RES on July 11, 2015 at 1:15 am

Yes, its possible to restore the shape of the foot. Strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles will help. Check out Dr. Ray McClanahan’s video on strengthening intrinsic foot muscles,https://youtu.be/1Rf5kbP40po
Bonnie Haralson on July 12, 2017 at 4:24 pm

Thanks for including Dr McClanahan’s video…I’ve never actually seen a live person with feet that beautiful! A definite goal to work towards ( : His exercises are helpful, too!
Helen on July 15, 2017 at 1:50 pm

Thank you for all your wonderful advice. I was having a lot of problems with my back and feet. The foot doctor said it was because I had some toes tha were longer than the others…? He suggested surgery if it did not correct itself.
My PT took one look at my feet and said. “Get some Correct toes have better alignment as you so wonderfully demonstrated with the plumb line and do those foot exercises. Wow what a difference. Plus the bunion that was taking shape went away. Once again it’s finding the right man/woman for the job. I am very excited to be taking the weekend class with Barbara Loomis in October.
Barbara Loomis, LMT, RES on July 18, 2017 at 11:26 pm

Oh, that’s fantastic! Thanks for sharing. Good thing you didn’t have to surgically shorten those long toes! LOL
Glad you will be joining me in October!