Barefoot and Pregnant

So you're one of the lucky women who gets to be pregnant through those hot summer months! Summer is the perfect excuse to kick off your tight shoes and run around barefoot.

As your pregnant belly swells and your toes get harder to touch, it becomes tempting to ignore proper foot care. However, even a small amount of attention can help you feel pretty at a time when your changing body causes you to doubt your attractiveness as a woman. It is wonderful to treat yourself to a pedicure from the local spa but try the inexpensive tips below to brighten your spirits and relieve your aching feet on a regular basis.

INDULGE IN A FOOT MASSAGE
This is one type of massage where you don't need partner. Use your thumbs to knead the knots from your arches. With one hand, gently rub each joint and toe. Use your fingers to apply pressure between the tendons on the top of the foot. Using both hands, place your fingers covering your toes and your thumbs on the sole, squeeze gently, roll the thumbs apart and release. To finish, don't forget a light touch over the ankles and heels. For a more thorough massage, check the internet or your local library for books and information on reflexology.

SOAK YOUR FEET
Soft feet are not only pretty to look at, they are fun to rub against the sheets at night or against your partner's legs. A favorite bath oil or foot soak smells lovely, but plain warm water works just as well. Soak your feet for at least 5-10 minutes. Try a pumas stone for calluses and then smother your feet with lotion.

ELEVATE YOUR FEET
Elevating your feet helps reduce swelling. It reduces the work that your heart must do to pump blood back to your heart therefore reducing the incidence of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

PAINT YOUR TOENAILS
Pick a bright color and paint your toenails! It only takes 10 minutes and lasts up to a week. When I wore purple toenail polish and a pair of sandals with a small heel, I heard wonderful compliments, "Pregnancy really suits you!", "I can't believe you painted your toenails!", "Your feet look so pretty, I wish I could have worn shoes with a heel when I was pregnant!" (The secret, of course, is to kick the heels off as soon as you find a place to sit down!) When painting your toenails, try sitting cross legged on the bed in order to more easily reach your toes. Then take your time. Not only do you want to do a good job, but you are pampering yourself and shouldn't feel rushed.

BUY A TOE RING
Whether you go barefoot or you choose to wear a cute pair of open sandals, a toe ring can add a touch of youth to your feet. The new, inexpensive toe rings from local discount stores have stretchy bands that fit even swollen feet.

If you take a few minutes each week to pamper your feet, not only will you feel better but you might be surprised at the compliments others send you way. Pregnancy doesn't last forever. Enjoy it while you can. Make the best of the old saying "barefoot and pregnant" by showing off your beautiful pregnant feet.