High heels are a symbol of femininity and are part of almost every woman’s look. But what about when they are pregnant, can they keep wearing them? The argument that pregnancy isn’t an illness and that there’s no reason to stop taking care of yourself just because you’re pregnant is what many women use to keep looking elegant in high heels. But is all this vanity harmful to your health?
Pregnancy already usually comes with some discomforts and difficulties due to swelling in the feet, legs, and hands, but even so, some women don’t give up finishing their outfits with beautiful high-heeled shoes. 10 cm, 12 cm, or even 15 cm heels, platforms, wedges, or stilettos, are they beautiful?
To Wear or Not?
They are, but if it’s already hard to walk normally, just imagine balancing with a big belly? That’s why doctors do not advise wearing high heels during pregnancy—especially from the fifth month onwards, when the belly is much bigger and the body’s center of gravity changes even more each day.
Pregnancy truly isn’t a disease, and it doesn’t force a woman to stop caring for herself, but some things need to be given up and certain habits changed. Just like heel height, proper clothing, hair dyes, and even some cosmetic treatments should be avoided to protect the health of the baby and mother.
When it comes to outright banning high heels, doctors are divided, but they all agree that high heels totally change a woman’s posture as well as her center of gravity, which are both already affected during any woman’s pregnancy.
Another point the specialists bring up is that the ligaments that stabilize the spine become looser during pregnancy, which increases the risk of injuries in that area.
Pain During Pregnancy
That’s why it’s so common to hear pregnant women complain about lower back pain—on top of all the other major changes happening in their bodies over the nine months. This loosening of ligaments increases the chances of falls and ankle twists, which—if they happen while wearing heels—can make the situation even worse.
It’s indisputable how beautiful a woman looks in high heels, and it’s also obvious how her posture changes. So, the elegant posture that heels provide during pregnancy isn’t that great after all, since the pressure in the lower back can cause intense back pain.
With extra weight, a much larger belly, and a shifted center of gravity, all pregnant women walk differently, so if you can avoid accidents and falls, why risk it for vanity’s sake?
What Shoes Are Recommended for Pregnant Women?
For those who are used to wearing high heels and can’t abandon the style, there’s the option of switching to lower, chunkier heels that are more comfortable and offer much more stability.
Sandals and shoes with thin straps should be avoided as much as possible since they don’t offer any security and increase the risk of accidents. There are many beautiful shoe options with more comfortable heels that aren’t risky at all.
High platforms and wedges may feel more comfortable than thin heels, but can be just as risky—or even more so—because they don’t provide as much balance. They make it easier to twist or turn an ankle, especially on uneven pavements and sidewalks like those in our cities. The sole of the shoe should also be considered, as some very smooth soles can also cause serious accidents.
More Comfortable Options
The most recommended for pregnancy are more comfortable flats, low-heeled sandals, and those that don’t have thin straps that can make swelling worse by “choking” the feet and hurting the woman.
Sneakers and flat sandals are also good options, but avoid those that are completely flat since they will stress and put pressure on your heels and spine too. Finding a middle ground that’s comfortable, stylish, and safe for your health is always the best decision.
If you have an event where high heels are a must, you can wear more comfortable shoes and bring the heels in your bag to put on only when you get there. Don’t forget that your feet get bigger during pregnancy and that shoe you used to comfortably wear all night for dancing could now feel tight and end up hurting you. So, don’t overdo it, okay?
See also: What Kind of Clothes Should I Wear During Pregnancy?
Photos: Marcelo Druck, Wagner Cezar
