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March 2001
1) Pregnancy And Your Feet
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Go to A Monthly Foot Fact from Foot.com, the "Foot Health Network"
frapoport@ciicnews.com Teaneck, NJ (January 26, 2001)
"Oh, my aching, swollen feet!" Most pregnant women, already handling so many changes
in their bodies, find themselves echoing this complaint.
Its no wonder. Changes in body shape and weight triggered by
pregnancy can effect the lower extremities in numerous ways.
Tired, sore and swollen feet are common. Understanding the
causes of foot pain and learning easy home treatments can
help women step more comfortably throughout these special
nine months.
Dr. Suzanne Belyea, Medical Director of Foot.com, explains
that the natural weight gain experienced during pregnancy
alters a woman's center of gravity, changing her
weight-bearing stance and adding pressure to the knees and
feet.
"One of the most common foot conditions brought on by
pregnancy is over-pronation, or a weakening of the arches
commonly known as flat feet," Dr. Belyea says.
Over-pronation can make walking painful and increase strain
on the calves and/or back.
If flat feet are left untreated, serious disorders such as
Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) and Plantar Fasciitis,
(intense heel pain) can result. The condition can be avoided
or treated, however, by wearing properly fitting footwear
that provides extra arch support. Dr. Belyea recommends
comfortable athletic shoes, as well as over-the-counter
orthotics that support the arches or cushion a painful heel
or ball of the foot.
Another common foot condition brought on by pregnancy is
edema, or swelling, caused by pressure from the uterus that
leads to hampered circulation. Edema generally occurs later
in pregnancy and is considered normal unless accompanied by
swelling of the face or hands.
Tips for treating swollen feet include: Elevate the feet as
often as possible Wear seamless socks that do not constrict
circulation When driving for a long period, take regular
breaks to stretch the legs and promote circulation Check
with a doctor about an exercise program; walking is usually
recommended Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods high in
salt that can cause fluid retention If any pain persists,
see a doctor.
One important step toward easing the pressure on swollen
feet is to a visit a local pedorthist. Pedorthists
specializes in fitting shoes and orthotics to alleviate foot
problems. Periodic measuring is recommended because the feet
may increase in size during the pregnancy. A local expert
and dealers who provide foot products for pregnant women can
be found through the Dealer Network at www.foot.com.
With all of the changes taking place during pregnancy, its
important to remember that you are now walking for two. So
if a spouse, partner or friend offers a foot massage, just
say yes!
For more information on foot conditions and treatments,
visit www.foot.com.
2) The Tragedy of Routine Episiotomy Like any surgical procedure, episiotomy carries a number of risks: excessive
blood loss, haematoma formation, and infection. . . . There is no evidence .
. . that routine episiotomy reduces the risk of severe perineal trauma,
improves perineal healing, prevents fetal trauma or reduces the risk of
urinary stress incontinence (Sleep, Roberts, and Chalmers 1989).
"Routine or prophylactic episiotomy (as opposed to episiotomy for specific
indication such as fetal distress) is the quintessential example of an
obstetrical procedure that persists despite a total lack of evidence for it
and a considerable body of evidence against it. All the authoritative
pronouncements in favor of episiotomy descend from a 75-year-old article
(DeLee 1920) that produced not a shred of evidence in its support."
You can order Henci Goer's Book Obstetrical Myths Versus Research Realities
here: Pregnancy Community Reading List
This book has been designed to bring the medical research and literature to
those of us without research know-how or medical training. Learn what is
"obstetrical myth" and avoid unneccesary interventions.
3) Birth Survey The 'Birth Survey' that Birthrites was conducting (on
previous birth experiences, what you think medically
necessary during VBAC, and what you think helps/hinders
during VBAC) is now up on the Birthrites Website at
www.birthrites.edsite.com.au
You can download it, fill it out, and send it to me by
attachment or regular post. I appreciate every bit of
feedback I get, as it helps with our continued lobbying for
change, and support of VBAC, in current maternity services.
THANK YOU to everyone who has already returned their
surveys, and please do not hesitate to forward this email to
anyone who may be interested in responding. All types of
feedback will help balance out the findings.
The Online Birth Center News is copyright 2001 by Donna
Zelzer. To subscribe to the obcnews write to
mailto:listproc@efn.org and put _only_ the words
subscribe obcnews your-name
in the _body_ of the message. Replace your-name with your
actual name.
MARCH 12, 2001 VOL. 157 NO. 10 4) Chiropractic Care and Breech Babies
CHIROPRACTIC CARE: If the pelvic bones are misaligned, it may cause altered
pressure into the uterus and the baby has a more difficult time being
head-down.
The Webster Breech Technique has been demonstrated to be highly effective.
Some studies show it to be more effective than an external version where the
baby is forced into a head-down position. |
