Remember looking oh-so-gorgeous wearing those beautiful dresses and stilettos and nice-pointed- heels at parties and other occasions? These mainly were common in your pre-pregnancy days.
Now that you’re pregnant it’s been quite a few months, and wearing heels according to your healthcare practitioner may not be a very good idea for you.
But do you know why your doctor wouldn’t allow you to wear heels during your pregnancy?
You might face a lot of difficulty if you wear heels and unsupportive shoes during your pregnancy.
Some of them are mentioned for you below:
Calf Muscle Cramps
With pregnancy comes several challenges, and calf muscle cramps are just one of them. This happens as a result of hormonal fluctuations, as well as weight gain. That said, wearing heels during pregnancy can contract and strain the calf muscles.
Loss of Balance
Due to the soaring hormones, and the pregnancy weight, the strength of your legs and ankles weakens. Along with this, the center of gravity also shifts. So, when you’re wearing heels in this condition, it can make you lose your balance and you might fall down, thus causing injury to you and the baby inside you.
Back Pain
Due to the soaring pregnancy hormones and weight gain; pain in the lower back is joint. However, wearing heels can unnecessarily put pressure on the pelvis and add pain to the ligaments and joints.
Swelling
Pregnancy swelling or edema is natural and familiar as a result of hormonal changes and fluid retention. Swelling happens in the legs, feet, and ankles. You can also experience pain. Wearing heels might just aggravate the problem.
So, clearly, there are a lot of risks associated with wearing heels during pregnancy. But, if you still wear your favourite stilettos, or platforms on some of your favourite occasions there are a few safety tips associated with them.
Safety Tips for Wearing Heels During Pregnancy
Keep these tips in mind if wearing heels during pregnancy is not advisable:
- You can wear heels in the first trimester as that is when you embark on the journey of motherhood. But even during the first trimester, wear only short and sturdy heels to walk comfortably.
- As you progress with your pregnancy and you undergo a shifting centre of gravity, wear block heels or wedges to support your body.
- If you have to wear heels at parties, try not to stay in your heels for a long time. Wear them to give yourself a look of perfection with your dress. But take the heels off and relax for a while, giving rest to your entire body. Stretching exercises (stretching your calves and ankles) is a good idea. You can also get a gentle massage done on your leg once you wear the heels off.
- Try not to wear heels every day. Opt to wear flats.
With pregnancy comes a would-be mother’s dream to hold a healthy baby. Take all the precautions to keep yourself and your baby healthy and safe.