Study on the changes of foot size in pregnant women

During pregnancy period, pregnant women walking gait has undergone tremendous changes, and easily lead to the emergence of certain foot pain. In this study, we measured the changes of the basic size of the foot by means of measuring plate, height gauge and skin scale measuring tool. Subjects were divided into two groups: continuous group (5) and discontinuous group (divided into three phases, each 20). The statistical results of the test data show that the continuous group has no significant difference with the discontinuous group, and thus the measuring results of the continuous group can be used representatively to describe the phenomenon in changes of foot size. The results show that the foot size in the foot length, short heel girth, ankle girth and arch height, has increased significantly in the pregnancy process. Foot length grows slowly, and significant difference exits until the third stage of pregnancy. However, its growth size is not more than 15 mm. Short heel girth is significantly increased in the second stage of pregnancy, while the ankle girth becomes significant change until the third stage due to edema. In addition, the arch height due to weight increase, inter-joint relaxation and other factors, from the original average height of 35.2 mm in the first stage, significantly decreased to 18.4 mm in the second stage and 18 mm in the third stage, respectively. This study of the foot size changes for pregnant women during pregnancy during is conducive to the subsequent gait adjustment, and shoe design and selection.