Women’s feet permanently grow bigger after pregnancy

Researchers found that some changes to a woman's body during pregnancy don't reverse after the child is born.

University of Iowa doctors found that women's feet become larger and longer during pregnancy and the changes can be permanent.

The study looked at 49 pregnant women, measuring their feet during and after pregnancy, said the Telegraph.

They took measurements in the first trimester and five months after childbirth.

Results showed that among 60 and 70 percent of participants, their feet increased by almost another shoe size, said MyHealthNewsDaily.

Those changes did not go away after five months.

Arches were also lower and weaker on the woman's foot after childbirth.

Researchers said the new findings could help better understand post-pregnancy ailments that afflict women.

"We know that women, and especially women who have had children, are disproportionately affected by musculoskeletal disorders," said study author Neil Segal, associate professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation, in a statement.

"It is possible that these foot changes that occur during pregnancy may help explain why, in comparison with men, women are at higher risk for pain or arthritis in their feet, knees, hips, and spines."

The findings were published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.