Working in healthcare during pregnancy: what happens to your feet?
14 July 2026
Working in healthcare places significant physical demands on your body. During pregnancy, an eight- or ten-hour shift can suddenly feel much more demanding. As you walk from patient to patient, stand at bedsides for long periods and spend many hours on hard hospital floors, you may notice that your feet begin to change too.
They may tire more quickly, feel warm or heavy, and shoes that used to fit perfectly may suddenly feel much tighter by the end of a shift.
Why do your feet change during pregnancy, and what can you do to stay as comfortable as possible at work?
1. Hormonal changes and more flexible ligaments
Your hormone levels change during pregnancy. Among other things, the amount of the hormone relaxin increases. These hormonal changes help ligaments and joints become more flexible, partly in preparation for childbirth.
Those changes are not limited to the pelvis. The structures that support your feet and arches can also become more flexible.
Combined with weight gain and prolonged loading, the arch of the foot may lower slightly during pregnancy. Some women therefore notice that their feet become a little longer or wider.
This can change how pressure is distributed across your feet when you stand and walk, making the soles of your feet feel tired or sensitive more quickly after a long shift.
2. Fluid retention and swollen feet
During pregnancy, your body retains more fluid and your blood volume also increases. At the same time, the growing uterus can put additional pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis, making it slightly harder for blood to flow back from your legs toward your heart.
Standing for long periods during a healthcare shift can intensify this. Gravity makes it easier for fluid to collect in your lower legs, ankles and feet.
Especially at the end of a busy day or evening shift, you may notice that your feet are more swollen and your shoes feel tighter than they did in the morning.
3. Your posture and center of gravity change
As your belly grows, your posture changes and your center of gravity shifts. Your body automatically adapts to help you maintain balance.
This can change how pressure is distributed across your feet when standing and walking. Long periods of walking or standing can therefore feel more tiring, especially on the hard floors commonly found in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Tips for more comfortable healthcare shifts during pregnancy
Choose shoes with enough room
Because feet can swell and sometimes become slightly wider during pregnancy, having enough room in your shoes is important.
Avoid shoes that fit tightly around the forefoot or instep. A sneaker with enough space and a comfortable fit can help prevent your shoes from becoming restrictive as the day goes on.
Look for good cushioning and support
Good cushioning and appropriate support can make long periods of standing and walking more comfortable.
For some people, a suitable insole can provide additional support. Always choose one that fits your foot and shoe properly.
Consider compression socks
Compression socks can support venous return from your legs and help reduce swelling in the lower legs, ankles and feet.
They can be particularly comfortable when you spend a lot of time standing during a shift.
Put your legs up for a moment during your break
During your break, try to sit down and, when possible, raise your legs slightly. This can help your body move accumulated fluid away more easily.
Regularly changing position and occasionally moving your ankles and feet can also feel good during a long working day.
Keep moving comfortably with Clove
During pregnancy, extra comfort can make a big difference on a long working day.
Clove healthcare sneakers are designed for professionals who spend many hours standing and walking. Their design focuses on comfort, cushioning and support throughout long workdays.
Thanks to elastic laces and a design without a loose tongue, the sneakers are easy to put on and take off. The shoes are also fluid-repellent and easy to clean, making them practical for everyday use in healthcare.
Give your feet the room and support they need during this special period.
View the full Clove collection on our website and discover which model best fits your working day.
Please note: some swelling of the feet and ankles is common during pregnancy. If you suddenly develop significant swelling, have painful swelling in one leg, or are concerned about your symptoms, contact your midwife or doctor.
