Pregnant women should avoid wearing high heels, say experts

LONDON - Experts have warned pregnant women should abstain from footwear like high heels, ballet pumps and flip flops.

A poll of 1,000 pregnant women for the society found 66 per cent regularly wear flip flops, 32 per cent wear high heels, 53 per cent ballet pumps and 30 per cent Ugg boots.

“Weight gain and hormonal changes in pregnancy have a huge impact on the body,” The Scotsman quoted Lorraine Jones, from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, as saying.

“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.

“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,” Jones added.

Jones advised women to wear high heels, if they have to, only very occasionally and at events where they will not be on their feet for too long. (ANI)