Many women do wear heels when they are pregnant. However, doctors strictly advice against doing so. There are many reasons why you should give your heels some rest during pregnancy, as they might be a discomfort and come with certain risks.
Let’s have a look into the reasons why doctors advice not to wear heels during pregnancy:
Miscarriage:
A pregnant woman wearing high heels is always at a higher risk of having a miscarriage. The pregnancy is threatened due to the risk of falling or twisting. So, why to be at danger by wearing high heels?
Calf Cramps:
When you wear heels for a long time, your calf muscles are in a contracted position. This leads to cramps in the muscles, which may be aggravated during pregnancy.
Back Pain:
High heels are supposed to alter your posture. Your pelvic muscles are bent forward, giving a rounder shape to your back.
- You will gain a considerable amount of weight around the front during pregnancy and this change in posture will cause pain.
- The ligaments in lower back and legs are loosened during pregnancy. Wearing heels puts excess pressure on the pelvic and back joints, since the support is not proper. This results in aches around joints and ligaments of lower back and pelvic area.
Less Balance
The strength in your ankles is likely to reduce due to excess weight and hormonal changes in the body.
- This is a common reason that will lead to lower balancing capacity.
- When you are wearing heels, there will be higher probability of losing balance and tripping over, causing injury to you and your unborn child.
Stretched Muscles:
Just like your back and abdomen, the ligaments in the ankles and calf also loosen due to pregnancy induced hormones.
- This leads to stretching of muscles in the feet.
- The shoes that you could comfortably wear pre-pregnancy will now become tight and painful.
Swelling In Feet:
A medical condition known as edema or swelling in legs, ankles and feet is quite common during pregnancy.
- Wearing tight shoes and high heels or platform heels will further aggravate the problem.
- Wearing high heels especially in the late pregnancy can cause swollen feet.
- More fluid will be accumulated in the lower part of your body and along with swelled feet you might also experience pain.
Tips To Wear High Heels In Pregnancy:
However, if you are addicted to wearing high heels, then keep the following tips in mind:
- It is okay to wear low heels in your first trimester, after which the hormonal flow increases and your muscles start to stretch.
- Try to wear lower and sturdier heels.
- Buy shoes that are comfortable and don’t create a tight grip on your feet.
- Avoid stilettos, platform heels or kitten heels. The thinner the heels, the lesser support your body will get, making it all the more difficult to maintain balance.
- If you have to wear heels during the entire day, try to take short breaks. Take them off for a while, relax your feet and then put them on again.
- At parties or outings, avoid walking or standing for longer durations in high heels. If you have to wear them to get the perfect look, try to sit around most of the time.
- Replace your heels with flats for everyday purpose.
- If you have worn heels and are experiencing discomfort, try stretching exercises for calf muscles and gently massage your feet
Now that you know about the risks that high heels can cause, be more cautious while wearing them. It would be better if you stop wearing high heels during pregnancy. Be careful and take care of yourself and your baby!
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