Pregnancy and heels: are there any contraindications?

Is it possible to wear heels during pregnancy or is it dangerous? Olga Panfilova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, perinatologist, obstetrician-gynecologist of the EMC, answers the question that worries many expectant mothers.

Saying that high heels should not be worn by pregnant women, and that they may pose a threat to the baby, is not entirely correct. The risk is this: the expectant mother may stumble or fall if she wears, for example, stilettos.

The fact is that weight gain during pregnancy and an increase in abdominal circumference changes the center of gravity. This can cause pain in the lumbar region and always affects the gait — it becomes less stable. Therefore, starting from about the 25th week of pregnancy, it is recommended to wear shoes with low, stable heels.

It is also important to listen to your personal feelings: if a pregnant woman feels that she is getting tired faster, her legs feel heavy, and high-heeled shoes are becoming uncomfortable, then you should give them up.