Can pregnant women walk in heels? How heels affect pregnancy: harm and possible consequences What heel is possible during pregnancy

The article answers the question of whether pregnant women should wear heels, and what consequences the preference for high shoes can lead to.

Can pregnant women wear high shoes?

Do shoes really matter and is the ban on heels one of the many myths surrounding pregnancy?

High heels during pregnancy: is it possible or not

High heels during pregnancy, according to experts, are contraindicated. Such shoes, despite their attractive appearance, are not safe for the health of a woman bearing a fetus and can cause her many problems.

The reason is that high heels damage the ligaments, ankle and bones of the foot. At nine months of gestation, the intensity of this effect increases.

When is contraindicated: the opinion of doctors

Shoes with heels 6-7 cm high should not be worn during pregnancy complicated by diseases of the spine, pelvis and legs. Bearing a child with chronic diseases is not an easy task in itself, and additional loads in such a case are detrimental to health. For example, problems with the sciatic nerve that arose after an injury may worsen.

Diseases that can be provoked

Neglecting the rules of wearing shoes, a pregnant woman may face diseases of the musculoskeletal system:

Flat feet.
Edema.
Numbness of the legs.
Varicose veins.
Spinal deformity.
Hernias and protrusions of the lumbosacral region.
sacral sciatica.

Negative consequences for other body systems are also possible: an increase in blood pressure, a decrease in the tone of the abdominal muscles, the appearance of stretch marks on the skin, and bending of the uterus.

Why You Shouldn't Wear High Heels During Pregnancy

An additional center of gravity appears in the body of a pregnant woman, which becomes more and more significant over time. To support the growing mass, a woman must literally stand firmly on her feet and hold her foot correctly. Only a position parallel to the ground is safe enough, however, in this case, there is a risk of developing pain in the legs due to relaxation of the tendons of the lower extremities. The latter is associated with hormonal changes.

When wearing high-heeled shoes, the posture of the expectant mother suffers, there is additional pressure on the internal organs

In the early stages

Doctors advise to refuse high heels already in the first trimester of gestation. Leaning only on the front of the foot, the woman changes the position of the body. The abdomen moves down and forward, which can cause unwanted pressure on the uterus. The consequence of thoughtlessly following fashion will be a miscarriage.

It is also dangerous to wear such shoes due to toxicosis. Feeling an attack of nausea or dizziness, the expectant mother can easily lose balance and fall, especially in winter during ice. Possible consequences of injury from a fall:

dislocation;
stretching;
injury:
fracture.

In late pregnancy and before childbirth

Before childbirth, the body weight of a pregnant woman increases significantly - the total increase in recent weeks can reach 14 kg. compared to pre-conception weight. The load on the spine, pelvis, muscles and vessels of the legs increases exorbitantly.

In this situation, high-heeled shoes will very soon cause discomfort, and the woman herself will want to take them off. In the worst case, cramps in the calf muscles may even occur.

In the later stages, public opinion is no longer so strict about the appearance of a pregnant woman. Even at an official reception, low shoes will be quite appropriate. If you still try to stand on your heel, this will only emphasize the shortcomings of the “duck walk”, which occurs due to the forced deviation of the spine back.

High shoes can provoke an increase in uterine tone, the onset of contractions and premature hospitalization in the maternity ward. Changing the position of the child in the uterus is fraught with the development of hypoxia. Save the baby in this case, you can sometimes only with the help of an emergency caesarean section.

Heel height during pregnancy: safe size

Shoes for pregnant women should have a heel no higher than 5-6 cm. The height of 3-4 cm is called optimal. Studs are completely excluded - this is too unstable a design, standing on which, a woman in position can easily fall.

But wedge shoes with a smooth transition from the heel to the toe are acceptable - however, they must sit comfortably on the foot and be stable.

How many hours can you wear high heels?

If due to circumstances (for example, office dress code requirements) you are forced to wear high-heeled shoes, it is better to take them off at the first opportunity or replace them with a changeable pair of slippers or sneakers. A couple of hours of walking or standing create a big load on a woman's body, so a pregnant woman needs to sit down more often. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes in the late afternoon, when expectant mothers most often complain of puffiness. 3-4 hours - the maximum duration of stay in high shoes. Special insoles can reduce the negative effects. And after returning home, a contrast shower will help a pregnant woman:

Run cool and warm water alternately on your feet.
Rotate each foot 15 times clockwise and counterclockwise.

Requirements for shoes during pregnancy

When choosing shoes to wear during pregnancy, you must adhere to the following rules:

The main requirement is wearing comfort and the right size.
Having spent enough time on fitting, a woman will protect herself from possible problems in the future.
A mandatory rule is the presence of a comfortable shoe.
The heel of shoes for pregnant women should be wide and reliable in order to protect the hostess from accidental falls.
A completely flat sole will not work due to its anti-physiological nature.
Shoes and boots should preferably be made from natural materials.
In the early stages, lace-up shoes are suitable, but in the last trimester, it is advisable to refuse laces.
Buy shoes and sandals that fasten at the ankle.
The heel should not be open.
It is better for pregnant women to choose shoes slightly larger than their size - taking into account possible swelling.

During pregnancy, it is undesirable to wear high-heeled shoes. If there is a need for this, such shoes can be worn only for a short time. A woman will be able to fully stand on a heel only after the baby is born.

Useful video

The fulcrum changes: instead of the whole foot, the weight of the body is transferred only to the heads of the metatarsal bones. This not only does not contribute to good stability, but also negatively affects the ligaments of the foot and ankle joint.
The load on the spine increases: the lumbar curve becomes larger, the center of gravity shifts forward.
The muscles of the legs, pelvis and lumbar spine are tensed.

Now let's see what happens to the figure of a woman during pregnancy:

Due to the growing belly, the center of gravity is increasingly shifting forward, so the expectant mother involuntarily leans back when walking. This affects the gait: it is no coincidence that they say about a pregnant woman that she walks “like a duck”, that is, waddling.
But that's not all. Due to hormonal changes, the ligaments, including the ligaments of the feet, become looser and more extensible in their structure. This, along with significant weight gain, can lead to the development of flat feet. In addition, during pregnancy, the load on the muscles and vessels of the legs increases, and the risk of developing varicose veins increases.

What if a pregnant woman wears high-heeled shoes?

Her center of gravity is already shifted forward, and, standing on her heels, the woman aggravates the situation. The position of the uterus changes; as a result, the fetus cannot take the correct upright position.

It must be remembered that if even before pregnancy you suffered from such diseases as flat feet and varicose veins, then by standing on high heels, you will only aggravate their course. In addition, the risk of dislocations and displacements of the vertebrae increases, you begin to get tired faster; swelling of the legs, pain in the lower back and cramps of the calf muscles appear.

What to do? Maybe you should give up heels for a while?

This is another extreme. You can’t walk in flat shoes for the same reasons: “loose” ligaments, an increase in the weight of a growing baby and your own, stress on the vessels and muscles of the legs can cause flat feet and varicose veins, the development of seizures.
In this situation, we advise you to stick to the "golden" mean - wear stable shoes with low heels - 3-5 cm (now it is quite possible to buy shoes that are comfortable and fashionable at the same time). In addition, with varicose veins, you should bandage your legs or wear special tights; do not forget that during pregnancy it is necessary to give unloading to the legs more often and not to lift weights.

Of course, a woman always wants to look her best. But believe me, high heels combined with a "duck" gait will not lead to the desired effect. Be patient for just a few months, and you can return to your usual shoes.

Shoes are one of the most desired accessories for women. And when buying, they often look more at its beauty than comfort. As for high heels, it is useless to assure that it is harmful to wear them - you are sure to find such shoes in every woman's closet. They never go out of fashion, and they add balance to the calf muscles and a sexy gait. But can women wear while pregnant? How safe is it? Let's try to find the answer to this seemingly simple question!

Pregnancy is the most vulnerable and emotional stage in a woman's life. She is no longer alone and must take care of the little life that grows within her. Her movements are not limited, but caution is necessary. How to convince women who are constantly trying to follow fashion that high heels during pregnancy are not a good idea? Of course, there are good reasons! Let's evaluate some of the consequences that high heels can lead to during pregnancy:

Severe back pain: walking in such shoes always disturbs the balance of the body. The pose of a person standing on the ground, when the toe and heel are aligned in one line, is the most natural. However, when a pregnant lady wears a heel, the center of gravity deviates and an excess load is added to the spine. The legs also suffer from additional weight, because. carry not only a woman, but also a child. Muscles and ligaments stretch to make room for the growing fetus, leading to back pain in early pregnancy. High heels enhance them and can make them completely unbearable.

Pain in the lower back: most likely in pregnant women who are used to wearing fashionable shoes. The lower back is already under a lot of stress Wearing high heels can cause excruciating pain in the lower back and upper legs.

Sciatic nerve problems: most commonly associated with traumatic experiences. Wearing high heels during this period can seriously worsen the situation. starts in the lower back and descends down the back of the leg. Wearing high heels can cause undue pressure on it. And inflammation of this nerve can lead to serious complications during pregnancy, including damage to the spinal disc. Symptoms: stabbing sensations in the lower back and buttocks, numbness in the leg,

In addition, high heels during pregnancy can lead to swollen ankles.

And finally, because of wearing such shoes, the uterus is in constant tone, which can cause a miscarriage.

In this regard, the recommendations of doctors clearly point to the mandatory rejection of high heels for the expectant mother. Indeed, among other things, they are extremely traumatic, and a fall can even lead to the death of the fetus. Therefore, it is better to limit your desires for a beautiful life until the baby is born. You can switch to comfortable high heels in the first months after giving birth, and then only if you are used to wearing them! Well, during the gestation period, it is advisable to wear flat and comfortable shoes that will protect your feet well. It is better to be patient a little, but to preserve the health of both yourself and your unborn child.

A woman in any situation tries to look impressive. Being in position, many ladies are tormented by the question: is it possible for pregnant women to walk in heels? Some girls cannot imagine their life without elegant dresses and high heels.

Are heels worn during pregnancy

A high heel perfectly complements slender legs and gives a woman a slight charm. But even for healthy women, this type of footwear is not recommended to be worn for a long time.

The impact of high heels on the body:

The fulcrum is changing;
There is a deformity of the feet;
Increased pressure on the veins of the legs;
The blood circulation of the pelvic organs worsens;
Diseases of the veins and joints appear;
The limbs swell.

Negative consequences are extremely undesirable for a pregnant woman, especially with weight gain and stress on the heart muscle.

Experts say that wearing heels during pregnancy is not desirable. The expectant mother exposes her body to additional load and stress.

The exception is the 1st trimester, subject to a comfortable and stable shoe and not a long stay on your feet. In the early stages, the weight of a woman is slightly increased, and a modest tummy does not affect the spine and center of gravity.

For 3 months, a woman will be able to gradually switch to a different type of shoes and choose the appropriate wardrobe for her.

Pregnancy requires a lot of sacrifices from a woman, including in relation to appearance. It is no longer possible to wear a tight short dress or a dizzying sexy hairpin. But maybe if you wear your favorite shoes carefully, then it is not necessary to exclude the heel? NameWoman will tell you if you can wear heels during pregnancy.

Heels in early pregnancy: when is it still possible and when is it no longer possible

Heels during pregnancy are fraught with significant danger, lovers of "being taller" will have to jump off them and start getting used to more "mundane" shoes. And the thing is that during the period of bearing a child, the main burden falls on the legs and back. In the early stages of pregnancy, heels are still acceptable, since this load is still insignificant. An important condition should be that the beginning of the expectation of the baby is stable, without any problems. Then in the first months you can not be afraid of harming yourself or the baby. However, NameWoman recommends that you start lowering your height already during this period, especially if you previously preferred shoes exclusively with stilettos and low-speed options seem terribly uncomfortable to you.

Rules for wearing high heels in early pregnancy:

Do not wear heels all day, it is highly advisable to have alternative low-speed shoes with you;

Try to do at least a small warm-up for the legs several times a day, which will improve blood circulation and relieve fatigue.

Heels must be removed when the change in weight becomes significant, the tummy is rounded and begins to guess under the clothes. ? The beginning of tangible changes is 12-13 weeks. At this time, the enlarged uterus begins to go beyond the pelvic bones and rise, there is a shift in the center of gravity. By 18-20 weeks of pregnancy, you should completely forget about high heels .

All about the dangers of high heels during pregnancy

When a person is standing, the entire load falls on the legs. It is logical that it is desirable to stand as confidently as possible on the maximum support area. When a woman stands on heels, the center of gravity changes and the main load is not on the whole leg, but on the toes. In this position, the muscles of the foot and lower leg become extremely vulnerable. Beautiful and dangerous high-heeled shoes are one of the most common causes of varicose veins. During pregnancy, women with a similar problem or a predisposition to it are not only forbidden to wear high heels, but it is also strongly recommended to bandage their legs with an elastic bandage or wear special stockings.

When walking in heels, the load on the lumbar spine increases. A woman, in order to keep her balance, instinctively leans back a little, thereby changing the natural curve of her back. Now add the weight of the belly. A pregnant woman in heels arches her back more and leans back more. In this position, it is even more difficult to keep balance, the risk of simply tripping and getting injured in the form of displaced vertebral joints or stretch marks increases. The posture deteriorates, the spine suffers, the legs suffer.

Have you always amazed others with your ability to walk in heels and are you sure that even on a coarse gravel path or a steep staircase you cannot stumble? Unfortunately, NameWoman is forced to note that now you need to take into account not only the new load in the front in the form of a growing tummy, but also the fact that during the process of hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy, the connective tissues in the body soften. This applies to all ligaments and tendons, which are now more susceptible to accidental deformation.

Among other things, with an unnatural curvature of the spine, when a woman prefers to wear heels during pregnancy, the tilt of the pelvis changes, which increases the load on the anterior abdominal wall. All this can lead to an incorrect position of the fetus. There are also unpleasant aesthetic consequences for the expectant mother: you will stretch the muscles and skin in the abdominal cavity more, there will be more stretch marks and the problem of a sagging abdomen after childbirth will become more acute.

Another reason for the incompatibility of pregnancy and heels is that in a woman in a position that prefers such shoes, the muscles of the thighs are fettered and, if they are overloaded, the tone of the uterus may increase and a miscarriage may occur.

The permissible heel height during pregnancy is up to 5 cm . It is desirable that the heel be as stable as possible, wedge shoes would be a good option. Remember that comfort and safety are a priority for you: shoes should be well fixed around the foot, not fall off or crush. It is worth looking after a neat model half a size or even a size larger than your usual one, since swelling during pregnancy is quite likely, and due to swelling, the leg increases slightly and it is important not to disturb the blood circulation in the legs.

Denis VU