High-heel shoes pose an increased risk of foot problems for pregnant women, finds a study conducted by the U.K.’s Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
Their survey of 1,000 pregnant women showed that most women tended to wear a wide variety of shoes during their pregnancy, including ballet shoes, flip-flops, and Uggs, as well as high heels – but no matter which type of shoe, it was difficult to find one that fit properly during pregnancy.
More than half the women – 70 percent – had one or more foot problems, such as swollen ankles and feet, or pain in the heel.
"The muscles and ligaments of pregnant woman soften and stretch due to an increase in ovarian hormone relaxin, which makes the feet more vulnerable to everyday movement," explained podiatrist Lorraine Jones in an interview with the BBC.
High heel shoes only worsen the issue, and predispose women to having additional foot problems.
"High heel shoes alter posture, shorten calf muscles and put pressure on your back and knees. In pregnancy the extra pressure on joints can be a problem in the legs, making the body out of balance and at risk to fall," she said.
According to Jones, the best option is to choose shoes with a 3 cm heel. This is enough to shift weight forward and offer some relief to the heel without posing the same risks as high heels.