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Before You Buy Shoes During Pregnancy - Cute and Comfortable Shoes for Pregnant Women

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com

Though personally, I've never been "with child," from what I hear, it can wreak havoc on your feet.

Swollen feet, increased sweating, hormonal changes, and back and leg aches are a few of the bodily changes you might experience. All of these issues can affect your feet, and consequently the shoes you are able to wear while you're pregnant.

What Pregnant Women Should Look for in Shoes

  • Flats, or low, wide heels - around 2" or lower.
  • Good arch support. This can be accomplish through buying from noted comfort shoe brands, or by using an insert that adds arch support.
  • Breathable uppers (canvas or leather) that won't trap moisture.
  • Shoes that slip-on, as laces may become more difficult to tie.
  • Larger or wider shoes -- swelling may make your regular size and width uncomfortable.

Additional Tips for Foot Care During Pregnancy

  • Wearing socks with closed-toe shoes may increase your comfort.
  • Avoid standing for long periods without a rest.
  • Elevate legs when possible, and if your feet are feeling extra achy, try soaking them.

Pregnancy Shoes: Cute Flats in Wide Widths

Pregnant or not, we could all benefit from wearing more flats. But for many of us, the trick is in finding the cute ones. Add needing a wide width to the equation, and the task becomes nearly impossible -- the keyword, being "nearly."

Here are a few great examples of cute, versatile flats in wide widths.

Evening Shoes for Pregnant Women

I know, I know, why couldn't everyone just hold off on the special occasions until after the baby has arrived? Fortunately, even when people won't rearrange their plans around your pregnancy, there are still a lot of really great-looking evening shoes in wider widths, with lower heels and plenty of comfort features.

Loafers: A Good Shoe Choice for Pregnant Women

For work or for running errands, loafers are a great choice when you need a flat or low heel and a casual, stylish look. Below are a few super-cute choices in wider widths.

Sandals for Pregnant Women

If the weather permits you to wear sandals during your pregnancy, you might enjoy the added air circulation, and the less restrictive nature of the following sandals.

Easily Slip into Mules and Clogs When You're Expecting

Mules and clogs are a great choice during pregnancy. In addition to the built-in comfort features offered by many clog-makers, wearing a solid-soled or flat backless shoe reduces pressure on the back of your feet -- plus, they're great for quickly slipping on and off.

Sporty Shoes & Sneakers Fit for Pregnant Women

Cute and sporty, here are a few sneakers that offer plenty of style, but also have features you might appreciate - like wider widths or uppers made from breathable mesh, canvas or leather.

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