Is Wearing High Heels While Pregnant Risky?

Lately, statistics show us that the number of women who wear high heels for long periods of time has increased drastically. While for women who enjoy wearing high heels, elegance has become a priority, for orthopedic surgeons wearing them has become a worrying issue, especially as many women insist on wearing high heels while expecting a baby.

A lot of these women ask themselves if high heels may present a risk during pregnancy.  The answer might surprise you. No, high heels cannot be worn throughout pregnancy without taking any risks.

How Does High Heels Influence The Body`s Posture?

High heels is a footwear that is necessary to any woman`s wardrobe. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, the message it transmits regarding the style and trend the woman follows, wearing high heels needs to be done by taking into account the harmful effect they can have on health. The latest research show that 1 out of 3 women wear high heels at least once every couple of days.

Indeed, high heels will bring out the best in your body by adding a few centimeters to your height. They are perfect in formal events and make you feel sexy and elegant. – Read this!

Still, most doctors recommend to pregnant women not wear high heels throughout pregnancy, especially starting with the second trimester. The main reason is the fact that you`ll gain weight considerably and the shape of your body will change, changing your gravity center, which will have an impact on the way you`ll walk.

Pregnant women have a slow sowing walk and too great of a balance, especially if we are talking about the second or third trimester. These details, as well as the symptoms of dizziness that are so common during pregnancy, might make you lose balance and fall. Falling while pregnant can be very dangerous for the baby, so it`s best to avoid them as much as you can, even if this means to give up wearing high heels for a few months.

Even thicker or flatter heel shoes aren`t allowed throughout pregnancy. Learn how to wear comfortable shoes while pregnant, without platform or heels. Shoes without heels are also recommended during pregnancy because those with heels may cause or worsen your back pain.

What Are the Effects of Wearing High Heels on the Spine?

Because wearing high heels also “requires” a certain “aesthetic attitude” (straight back, stepped knees, etc), the shocks that are associated with walking are no longer damped by the pelvic limb joints, but rather be transmitted directly to the spine. This will usually increases the risk of lumbar pain, like herniated disc or discopathy. – Visit this page!

Other Harmful Effects

If we were to analyze only the changes in the foot, we`ll notice an increase in the incidence of hallux valgus, a common illness known as hammer toe, as well as the mounts of the small toe. Overloading, both static and dynamic in the ankle, will increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Instability when stepping forward (especially when talking about high heels of “nail” type) predisposes to ankle or knee sprains or fractures. At the very same time, all ladies who prefer wearing high heels have to know that the position of the foot with such heels causes excessive contraction of the calf muscles, hindering venous circulation and stimulates the occurrence of “heavy legs.”

Thin Sole vs. Platform Shoes

In the light of what was already mentioned above, classical heels are more “damaging” than platforms as they force more ankle in plantar flexion and induce a greater force in the posterior muscles of the calf and tendon. Unfortunately, platforms have their issues in that by lifting the leg from the ground and stepping in a wrong manner, it predisposes to ankle fracture than sprain.

Regarding High Heels during Pregnancy, Are There Other Harmful Effects?

There are no additional interdictions when it comes to wearing high heels while pregnant. Still, pregnant women should consider a pregnancy, from a physiological point of view, changes the center of gravity and induces overstretching in the spine. Also, by pelvic compression given by the fetus, it favors the occurrence of varicose veins. Therefore, it`s logical that, by taking into account the similarity of demands as well as the possible falls that can be associated with trauma of the fetus, the future mother should avoid at all costs wearing high heels, especially if the pregnancy is more advanced, at least for the care of the future baby, if not for her own care. – More info!

What Kind of Shoes Are Recommended during Pregnancy?

Unfortunately, for pregnant women who enjoy being elegant, the doctor`s advice is clear. They should wear footwear with soft soles (sports type), which distribute body weight evenly and ensure stability when walking. The most important aspect here is the long-term health of the pregnant woman as well as any possible accidents which might affect the fetus.