Bump beauty: Keep your feet healthy and pretty in the third trimester of pregnancy

In the third trimester, your body is going through the most. And while you're busy growing a tiny human, it’s easy to overlook your feet, which are quietly bearing the brunt of all that extra weight. Swelling, soreness and dryness are common foot complaints during this stage, but that doesn't mean your feet can’t still look and feel fabulous. Here’s your ultimate third-trimester guide to healthy, pampered, and pretty feet.

How to prevent cracked heels in pregnancy

Hormonal changes, coupled with the extra pressure of carrying your bump, can lead to dry, cracked heels. Start by soaking your feet in warm water (you can add Epsom salts or a few drops of lavender oil) for 15-20 minutes. Not only is this calming, but helps relieve foot pain, reduces swelling and softens the skin. After soaking, gently exfoliate with a pumice stone or foot scrub to remove dead skin (and ask your partner or a friend to help if it’s not comfortable reaching). Follow up with a thick, nourishing foot cream – look for formulas with ingredients like shea butter, urea or coconut oil. For an intense overnight treatment, slather your feet in cream, slip on cotton socks and wake up to baby-soft heels.

Pregnancy pedicure tips: nail and cuticle care

Reaching your toes might feel like a mini workout, but foot hygiene is more important than ever, especially when your feet are prone to swelling and sensitivity.

● Trim with care: Keep nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails, and don’t go too short.



● Push, don’t cut: Gently push back cuticles after a warm soak and apply cuticle oil to keep them soft and infection-free.



● Safe pedis only: If you can no longer reach your feet comfortably ask your partner or a friend to help you care for them or treat yourself to a prenatal-safe pedicure.

Best positions to elevate feet and reduce swelling

Not that you need an excuse to kick back and relax but elevating your legs is one of the easiest ways to reduce swelling and boost circulation during the third trimester. Try to raise your feet above hip level whenever possible, even if that means lying on the floor with your legs resting on the couch. If you’re working at a desk, a small footstool can make a big difference in keeping your feet supported and comfortable throughout the day.

Foot massage tips for swollen pregnancy feet

Swelling is incredibly common in the third trimester. One of the best ways to manage it? A soothing foot massage. Start at the toes and work upward toward the ankles to help promote circulation and reduce fluid buildup but avoid deep pressure on the inner ankle, especially during the final weeks. When in doubt, stick to light, circular motions.
Bonus: Elevate your feet for 15–20 minutes post-massage to further reduce swelling.

Get a pregnancy-safe pedicure and pick the perfect polish

A pedicure during the third trimester is the perfect way to relax and care for your feet. It soothes soreness, boosts circulation, reduces swelling and keeps your toes neat and healthy – ideal for when reaching them isn’t so easy! Plus, a splash of colour adds a feel-good finish. This season’s top pedi shades to try? Milky lavender, coffee tones, dark cherry, sheer pinks, pistachio green and metallic hues.

Bonus tip: Look out for polishes labeled “3-free” or “5-free” to avoid potentially harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.
 
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· Dr.Sole Epsom Salt Foot Soak
·  The Body Shop Peppermint Smoothing Pumice Foot Scrub
· Clicks Pedicure Pumice Stone
· Sorbet Botanical Nail Treatment Cuticle Oil Pen
· The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue
· Essie Nail Lacquer Bordeaux
· Smudge Nail Polish Mixed Berry
· Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure Nail Polish Lavender Haze
· Essence Gel Nail Colour 55 Inner Peas

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