Can I Wear High Heels While Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be accompanied by plenty of dos and don’ts. Eat healthy, take prenatal vitamins and stay active, but don’t eat sushi, drink caffeine or lift heavy things. What about footwear? With inevitable weight re-distribution, many pregnant women are left wondering if they can wear high heels while pregnant?

Since footwear is not clearly defined in the pregnancy books, one of the most common questions we receive from women is whether or not they can continue wearing heels during their pregnancy.

The short answer is yes, but doing so is not without risks. The main concern with wearing high heels during pregnancy is the high risk of falling. Pregnancy causes a shift in the center of gravity, where weight is pushed forward due to a growing belly, making a fall more likely if you lose your balance. When you add high heels to the mix, the center of gravity is pushed forward even more because the heels lift and weight is carried on the balls of the feet, which further increases the likelihood of taking a tumble.

Remember, the higher and skinnier the heel, the greater your risk for falls.

Not only can you put your unborn child at risk due to a fall, but you could also cause other injuries like bumps and bruises, sprains, and fractures. Furthermore, if you were to sustain an injury that immobilizes you, your risk of extremity blood clots increases.

If you must wear high heels while pregnant, choose a low and wide heel to help keep your balance in check. Also, consider switching to a wedge or platform-style shoe so you maintain the height without having to balance on a stiletto. (Plus, your feet will thank you for it!)

For more information about foot health or to make an appointment with one of our highly skilled podiatrists, please visit www.triadfoot.com or call 336-375-6990 to learn more or to request an appointment.

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