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Expert Q&A

	By Sandra Grenier Prenatal Fitness Instructor

What type of shoes should I wear while exercising during pregnancy? I plan to walk and do low-impact aerobics as long as I feel able to. - Christine, Massachusetts"

Get new aerobics or cross training shoes aerobic shoes, which are designed to provide lateral support and toe flexibility. I don't have a brand name preference, but do avoid running shoes, which are designed specifically for runners and may not have adequate support for your ankles.

Make sure you get shoes that fit the first time you wear them: you should be able to wiggle your toes freely but the shoe should not be loose (which will lead to blisters). When you're standing up, your foot should not be wider than the sole of the shoe.

There are a lot of different kinds of feet and shoes out there -- I recommend trying on several brands and buy the one that feels best. Make sure it offers good lateral support and cushioning. You might want to seek advice from a salesperson who is knowledgeable about athletic shoes.

Replace your shoes before they wear out--and keep in mind how the upper (visible) part of the shoe probably will look fine even after the shoes have moved past their prime. One way to keep help them to last longer is to wear them only for exercise, and don't use them as "street shoes."

Keep in mind your feet may become slightly larger during pregnancy due to swelling and/or the effects of the hormone relaxin."

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