ABSTRACT Background Many hormonal, anatomical and biomechanical changes occur during pregnancy that may contribute to lower limb musculoskeletal dysfunction, including foot pain. Previous international studies have reported variable rates of foot pain in this population, but there is a lack of prospective longitudinal investigations. Improving the current understanding of foot pain is important to inform the development of management interventions during and after pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the self‐reported prevalence, severity, frequency and impact of foot pain on work, activities and quality of life during pregnancy. Methods Pregnant participants were recruited through the Queensland Family Cohort study conducted at a tertiary maternity hospital. Questionnaires were administered at enrolment (12–24 weeks' gestation) to collect demographics and at 24 weeks' gestation, 36 weeks' gestation and at the end of pregnancy (6 weeks postpartum) to measure the presence, severity and frequency of foot pain and symptoms and the impact of foot pain on work, activities and quality of life. Results Four hundred and nineteen pregnant participants with a mean age of 32.2 (range 16–45) years and body mass index of 27 (range 17–52) were included. A high prevalence of foot pain was reported during pregnancy (44% up to 24 weeks; 56% up to 36 weeks, 54% up to the end of pregnancy). The severity of foot pain was mild to moderate and occasional in frequency. Foot pain had a mild to moderate impact on work, activities and quality of life during pregnancy. Participants with foot pain reported a lower perceived level of health during and at the end of pregnancy. Conclusion Foot pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal problem that impacts work and quality of life during pregnancy. Pre‐natal and post‐natal care may provide an opportunity to assess and provide advice, treatment or appropriate referral for the management of foot pain.
Fontes et al. (Sun,) studied this question.