The Effects and Hacks To Wearing Heels During Pregnancy

Even though healthcare providers strictly recommend avoiding shoes with heels, most women wear throughout their pregnancy. Is it really safe to wear high heels on a regular basis when your body is going through so much already?

Below are the effects of wearing heels during pregnancy:

High heels alter your posture by bending the pelvic muscles forward and giving a rounder shape to the back. With pregnancy, there will be a considerable amount of weight added \to your front, which will in turn change your posture and cause back pain. The ligaments in the lower back and legs are loosed and since the support is not proper, wearing heels puts excess pressure on the pelvic and back joints, resulting in aches around joints and ligaments of pelvic area and lower back.

Calf muscles are in a contracted position with prolonged high heel usage, making it prone to muscle cramps which may be aggravated when pregnant.

The ankles and calf muscles, too, have loosed ligaments induced by hormones during pregnancy. Your favourite pair of comfy heels may feel tight and painful, as muscles in your feet have stretched.

A common pregnancy side-effect is edema or swelling in legs, ankles, and feet. Wearing tight shoes, high heels or platforms will further aggravate the problem and cause swollen feet. You might also experience pain from the fluid accumulation in your legs.

Due to excess weight and hormonal changes in the body, you may have a lower balancing capacity. While wearing heels, there is a higher possibility of losing balance and tripping over, threatening the pregnancy with the chance of a miscarriage.

Hacks To Use Heels During Pregnancy (Only If You Really Must):

Wearing lower and sturdy heels during your first trimester is acceptable, after which the hormonal flow increases and the muscles start to stretch.

Avoid shoes that create a tight grip around your feet.

Say no to stilettos, kitten heels and platform heels as they will hinder your balance.

If you’re wearing heels throughout the day, take short breaks by removing your shoes, relaxing your feet and then putting them on again.

Avoid standing and walking for longer durations with heels on. Sit down most of the time.

Exercise your muscles by stretching and gently massaging them if you begin to experience pain from using heels.

Don’t strain yourself and cause temporary instability for sake of vanity. The perfect look isn’t never worth the damage you can cause yourself. Stay safe and be cautious when wearing heels (if you just refuse to stop wearing them). Your baby and your well-being, in all honesty, are more important.

Source: http://www.curejoy.com/content/effects-hacks-wearing-heels-pregnancy/