High heels warning to pregnant women
The survey of pregnant women found around half feel under pressure to keep up with celebrity trends. Photo: Getty Images
Pregnant women who want to emulate celebrities by wearing high heels are putting their feet at risk, an expert warned yesterday.
Lorraine Jones, from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, said women feel under pressure to wear stilettos but are risking long-term damage.
Furthermore, pregnant women routinely wear other unsuitable footwear such as flip-flops, ballet pumps and Ugg boots, she said. But Ms Jones said none of these shoes were suitable because they offered little support.
"Muscles and ligaments soften and stretch because of an increase in the ovarian hormone relaxin, which makes your feet more prone to ankle and ligament strains on a daily basis.
"High heels alter your posture, shorten your calf muscles and place increased pressure on your back and knees," she said.
"In pregnancy this places extra pressure on your joints when they are already under strain, which can result in a host of foot, leg and back problems and could increase the likelihood of falls."
The survey of pregnant women found around half feel under pressure to keep up with celebrity trends.
Yet seven out of 10 have suffered foot problems in pregnancy, including swollen ankles (37pc), swollen feet (45pc) and foot arch and heel pain (16pc).
"If you're pregnant choose well-fitted, round-toed and low-heeled, comfortable shoes with straps to support the foot and ankle and help minimise discomfort."
- Jane Kirby
Irish Independent
