Q: I am 3 months pregnant and have noticed that my shoes are getting a little tight on my feet. Is there anything I should know about my feet while I am pregnant?

A: During pregnancy, some women will tend to walk with the feet spread apart, which can cause the arches to stretch. This can cause increased pain in the ligaments of the bottom of the foot. Towards delivery, the body produces more of the hormone relaxin, which makes not only the ligaments of the pelvis, but also those of other joints (including those of the feet), more flexible, increasing strain of the ligaments of the feet. Prescription foot orthotics can provide much-needed support to the arches during this time.