Pregnant Victoria Beckham won’t give up her high heels: but is it safe?
The ligaments that control your lower back are softened during pregnancy, so they are more at risk of being stretched and damaged. The problem with high heels is that they alter your posture and put a strain on this already weakened area, which could contribute to lower back pain.
During pregnancy your weight increases and your body shape and centre of gravity change, making you walk differently (and less steadily). A fall during pregnancy could hurt you and possibly your baby, so high heels you’ve never walked in before should be avoided as they could lead to a fall: even if you’ve always been able to walk in seven inch heels before. If you do choose to wear heels opt for low comfortable heels you’ve worn before and know you can walk safely in: pregnancy is not a good time to break in those killer stilettos!
Advice on wearing heels during pregnancy varies wildly, and you won’t be surprised to learn there are no government guidelines about this. However, last year the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists polled 1,000 mums-to-be and discovered 66% regularly wear flip flops, 32% wear high heels, 53% ballet pumps and 30% Ugg boots: none of these shoes offer good foot or ankle support.
A spokesperson from the Society advised that if you’re a heel lover who can’t give up the habit during pregnancy, “choose well-fitted, round toed and low heeled, comfortable shoes with straps to support the foot and ankle and help minimise discomfort and prevent the prospect of long-term damage.”
Our advice is to approach wearing heels during pregnancy with caution and moderation. If you want to make like Mrs Beckham and wear your favourite heels to an important party that shouldn’t cause any long term damage. But for your day to day shoes during pregnancy, it’s time to hang up those stilettos and reach for a pair of comfortable and supportive flats!
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Mothercare
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