Many pregnant women have been questioned about wearing heels during their pregnancy period. Pregnancy of course a very exciting journey, but always keep in mind that you should not take unnecessary risks such as wearing heels that will lead to many health issues for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss whether heels are safe during the pregnancy period.
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Can I wear high heels when pregnant?
Wearing heels during the early stages of the pregnancy seems ok but is not recommended to wear heels during the whole pregnancy period (especially during late pregnancy), it can bring complications for both the mother and the baby. One of the associated problems is swelling of the ankles or swelling of the legs in general. This has been concluded in a study carried out by the Society of Chiropodists and Pediatrics in the United Kingdom. According to experts, the desire to follow fashion and wear shoes that are inappropriate during pregnancy predominates in a large majority of women.
Wearing heels during pregnancy, and especially high heels, cause an alteration of the natural posture of the calf muscles, and as a result, greater pressure is triggered on other parts of the body, such as the knees or the back. It is logical considering that the entire weight of the body rests on the feet. In a survey of 1,000 pregnant women, it was found that the majority of expectant mothers regularly used beach sandals, flat-heeled boots, high heels, dance shoes that did not provide adequate support when walking.
The survey has been conducted with a clear purpose, to raise awareness and improve foot health during pregnancy. More than half of the women surveyed acknowledged that they felt pressured by fashion trends during pregnancy and ended up choosing to wear fashionable shoes that were inappropriate for pregnant women. Wearing heels in pregnancy, beach shoes, flat-heeled boots, etc., causes muscles and ligaments to soften and stretch as a result of the increase in the hormone relaxin, a peptide hormone that is secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovaries in the bloodstream and whose endocrine function helps regulate the different parts of the body. The excess of this hormone causes an increased risk of suffering ankle or ligament sprains.
Wearing heels during pregnancy can bring complications to mom and baby
As we read on Europa Press, seven out of ten women admitted having suffered foot problems during pregnancy, and the relationship with inappropriate footwear is evident. Depending on the type of footwear, one of the other problems are suffered. Thus, 16% of the women recognized suffering from pain in the heel and arch of the foot (concavity of the inner part of the sole of the foot), 37% recognized suffering from ankle swelling problems, and 45% a general swelling in the ankles.
Tips on wearing heels during pregnancy
The solution is quite simple, do not wear heels during pregnancy or any footwear that is not recommended, forget about fashions and think that pregnancy is temporary, there will be time to show off some fashionable feet. The Society of Pedicures and Podiatrists in the United Kingdom recommends comfortable shoes, wide and firm shoes that offer correct foot support and therefore reducing the risk of suffering from some of the aforementioned problems, they also recommend performing a series of physical exercises.
Regarding heels, the recommendation is that they do not exceed 3 centimeters in height to reduce body weight displacement and avoid pressure on the knees and back. Round toe, low heel, straps to hold the shoes to the foot and ankles are some of the characteristics that the experts of this society highlight as favorable in shoes for pregnant women.
But there is much more; experts offer different tips to enjoy proper foot and leg health, do not cross your legs or ankles when sitting, try to change your posture, keep your lower extremities active when sitting, and perform exercises while lying down and simulating the movement of the bicycle (it will be interesting to follow the yoga course for pregnant women ), perform ankle exercises turning each one 10 times to the left and 10 times to the right, etc.
As the experts say, the most suitable person to offer advice on the type of footwear to wear during pregnancy and the most recommended physical exercises to perform with the lower extremities will be the professionals who monitor the pregnancy. Taking care of your feet during pregnancy is much more important than it may seem, having the advice of a podiatrist will also be very effective in minimizing the risk of inflammation or swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs. Therefore, future moms should forget about wearing heels during pregnancy or any other footwear that health professionals have not recommended.
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