As your pregnancy progresses, your centre of gravity changes and ligaments loosen. Add those to towering heels, and you’re at risk for a fall that could hurt your bump and yourself.
Instead, try a pair of maternity low heels that look stylish and offer built-in foot support and stability. These slingbacks are made with supple leather and a flexible sole that will stay comfy throughout your pregnancy.
1. Aesthetics
Women love a good pair of heels, but they may not be the best footwear choice for pregnancy. During pregnancy, women’s centre of gravity shifts, and ligaments loosen due to hormonal changes. It can cause a higher risk of falls, which could hurt you or your baby.
That is why it’s best to leave high heels for special occasions or to avoid them altogether. If you do want to wear them, choose a low heel so you don’t fall and injure yourself or your baby. Also, the heel should be wide enough to prevent you from tripping and falling. You might even consider a wedge heel to support your weight and balance. This style of shoe is chic and looks great with dresses or skirts. It also goes well with a pair of jeans and a casual blouse.
2. Comfort
As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll find it harder to wear high heels, and they’re not always safe for a pregnant woman. During this time, your centre of gravity shifts and ligaments loosen, making it harder to balance. Coupled with a pair of towering heels, it can lead to an increased risk of falling, which can cause injury to you and your baby (8).
Pregnancy hormones can also make your feet swell, this condition is called oedema. If your shoes are tight, uncomfortable, and have a heel height that’s too high it can exacerbate the problem.
The maternity low heels with a small heel height and soft, flexible material like suede or leather can help to alleviate some of these issues. Also, try to select shoes that fit well and don’t create a tight grip on your feet. If you’re unsure about the size of your shoe in the later stages of your pregnancy, it’s recommended to go up a size when purchasing shoes. Your feet will likely swell as the pregnancy continues, so that a larger shoe will be more comfortable in the long run.
3. Stability
Pregnancy is a head-to-toe journey that can be hard on the feet. The weight of the extra body mass places stress on the feet, pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments in the ankles and feet (and in the pelvis as the pregnancy nears delivery), and swelling occurs due to increased blood flow, moving additional oxygen to the baby. (2)
All of these changes, plus a shift in the center of gravity that comes with pregnancy, can make falling while wearing high heels more likely and can cause injury to both mother and unborn child. If you must wear a heel, look for low wedges and shoes with a wide base to provide stability.
You can also choose flats with good arch support and ball of foot cushioning. It will keep you steady on your feet and may reduce the stress and pain associated with high heels or any heel that is too thin for comfort.
4. Flexibility
A lot of women love heels, and they are a staple of their shoe wardrobe. However, when it comes to pregnancy, comfort should come before fashion. High-heeled shoes can be difficult to walk in and may not be safe to wear for long periods, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy.
As pregnancy progresses, the ligaments of the feet loosen due to the pregnancy hormone relaxin in preparation for childbirth. It may cause the feet to expand, requiring footwear with a larger toe box that can accommodate the wider foot. It is why maternity low heels that have a wide, chunky heel are a better option than thin stilettos or flip-flops, which offer little to no arch support.
5. Style
While heels are an essential part of many women’s wardrobe, it is important to remember that they are not good for pregnancy. Heels are difficult to balance in and will place a lot of stress on the feet and body. It can lead to a number of issues, including pain, swelling and even fractures and sprains.
It doesn’t mean that you have to give up heels completely, but it is important to find a style that prioritizes comfort and stability. Look for maternity low heels with a wider base and less narrow heels to ensure they are safe for pregnancy. You can also opt for flats or wedges that have a low, skid-free heel to provide added support and comfort.