6 Risks Of Wearing Heels During Pregnancy

Switching to lower-heeled shoes can provide comfort and be beneficial during this time.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ng Kai Lyn, MMed, MRCOG Dr. Ng Kai Lyn Dr. Ng Kai LynMMed, MRCOG MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Surgery, UrogynecologyExperience: 12 years
Written by , M.Tech (Biotechnology) Anshuman Mohapatra M.Tech (Biotechnology) Follow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on Twitter Specialty: Pregnancy and HealthExperience: 6 years
Edited by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Fact-checked by , MSc Aneesha Amonz MSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Health and WellnessExperience: 2 years
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Pregnant Woman In Heels, Highlighting Footwear Risks

Image: iStock

High heels are an essential component of the style statement for many women. However, wearing heels during pregnancy may not be a good idea. Doctors strictly do not advise it for several scientific reasons. Your body weight and balance do not remain the same as pregnancy advances, and even muscles and ligamentsiFibrous connective tissue that supports organs, bones, and joints undergo certain changes (1). As a result, wearing heels may add to the discomfort of pains and cramps, cause balance issues, and pose certain other risks and injuries. Read this post as we talk about the effects of wearing heels on pregnant women and share some safety tips.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • Wearing heels during pregnancy can be risky due to changes in body weight and balance.
  • Heels may cause calf cramps, back pain, and swollen feet.
  • There is a higher risk of miscarriage if you fall or experience trauma while wearing heels.
  • It’s safer to wear low and sturdy heels during the first trimester.

Effects of Wearing Heels During Pregnancy

1. Calf cramps

Wearing heels for a long time causes muscle cramps.

Image: Shutterstock

When you wear heels for a long time, your calf muscles are in a contracted position. This leads to cramps in the muscles, which may be aggravated during pregnancy (2).

2. Back pain

High heels are supposed to alter your posture. Your pelvic muscles are bent forward, giving a rounder shape to your back.

  • You will gain a considerable amount of weight around the front during pregnancy and this change in posture will cause pain.
  • The ligaments in lower back and legs are loosened during pregnancy. Wearing heels puts excess pressure on the pelvic and back joints, since the support is not proper. This results in aches around joints and ligaments of lower back and pelvic area (3).

protip_icon Expert says
According to ACOG, low-heeled shoes with good arch support, such as athletic shoes or walking shoes, are best during pregnancy to avoid back pain (10).

3. Less balance

The strength in your ankles is likely to reduce due to excess weight and hormonal changes in the body.

  • This is a common reason that will lead to lower balancing capacity.
  • The change in weight, altered balance, and shift in center of gravity make you more susceptible to falls.
  • When wearing high heels, pumps heels, or sandals, you have a higher probability of losing balance and tripping over, which can cause injury to you and your unborn child (4).

4. Stretched muscles

Just like your back and abdomen, the ligaments in the ankles and calf also loosen due to pregnancy-induced hormones.

  • This leads to stretching of muscles in the feet.
  • The shoes that you could comfortably wear pre-pregnancy will now become tight and painful (5).

5. Swelling in feet

High heels during late pregnancy can cause swollen feet.

Image: Shutterstock

A medical condition known as edemaiSwelling caused by excessive fluid accumulation in tissues or swelling in legs, ankles and feet is quite common during pregnancy.

  • Wearing tight maternity shoes and high heels or platform heels will further aggravate the problem.
  • Wearing high heels, especially in late pregnancy, can cause swollen feet.
  • More fluid will be accumulated in the lower part of your body, and along with swollen pregnant feet, you might also experience pain (6).

6. Miscarriage

A pregnant woman wearing high heels is always at a higher risk of sustaining falls/trauma which can result in having a miscarriage (7).

Tips To Wear High Heels In Pregnancy

It is okay to wear low heels in your first trimester.

Image: Shutterstock

Dr. Alan R. Lindemann, an obstetrician and a former clinical associate professor at the University of North Dakota, says, “Two things you need to know about high heels and pregnancy. First, relaxin, a hormone that your body produces to soften joints in your pelvis, also softens all the other joints in your body, including your knees, ankles, hips, and back. Second, high heels change the way your heels, ankles, knees, pelvis, and back respond to walking, leading to physiological abnormalities in all these joints.” As such, wearing heels during pregnancy is not advisable, as it can harm you and your baby. However, if you absolutely must, then keep the following tips in mind:

  • It is okay to wear low heels in your first trimester, after which the hormonal flow increases and your muscles start to stretch.
  • Try to wear lower and sturdier heels.
  • Buy comfortable shoes that don’t create a tight grip on your feet.
  • Avoid stilettos, platform heels or kitten heels. The thinner the heels, the less support your body will get, making it all the more difficult to maintain balance.
  • If you have to wear heels during the entire day, try to take short breaks. Take them off for a while, relax your feet and then put them on again. Wearing wedge heels during pregnancy is not a good idea because there will be an increase in body weight, shape and center of gravity changes affecting your walking. Also, ligaments will be looser which may lead to muscle strain and joint instability.
  • When wearing high heels at parties or outings, avoid walking and long hours of standing during pregnancy. If you have to wear them to get the perfect look, try to sit around most of the time.
  • Replace your heels with flats like ballet flats or supportive shoes for everyday purposes.
Replace your heels with flats for everyday purposes.

Image: Shutterstock

  • If you have worn heels and are experiencing discomfort, try stretching exercises for calf muscles and gently massage your feet.
  • If you have any concerns about which footwear to buy or other issues regarding footwear during pregnancy, you may check with your doctor for advice.
protip_icon Quick tip
Try shoes with breathable mesh that can slip on and out without bending to ensure optimum foot comfort during pregnancy (11).

Most women consider high heels a stylish must-have to keep up with pregnancy fashion; however, wearing heels while pregnant is not advised. High heels may inhibit normal walking motion and reduce blood flow to the extremities, despite the lack of scientific evidence linking them to varicose veinsiA condition characterized by dilated and enlarged veins, commonly seen in legs and feet during pregnancy. Wearing heels for an extended period can strain muscles and ligaments, leading to body aches in pregnancy. They may also increase your chance of a miscarriage due to trauma by contributing to unintentional trips and falls. It is best you substitute high heels with lower, more supportive heels or avoid them altogether during pregnancy to avoid complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When to stop wearing heels during pregnancy?

It is best to wear low and sturdy heels during and after the first trimester of pregnancy. High heels are not recommended past the first trimester. Your feet undergo structural changes right from the first trimester due to the loosening of joints and ligaments. Additionally, the weight borne by the joints gradually increases with increasing body weight. All these factors may contribute to musculoskeletaliRelated to muscles, bone, ligaments, cartilage, or joints pain if the feet are not properly supported (8) (9).

According to Brian Clark, BSN, MSNA, “There is no scientific evidence to suggest that high heels damage the womb. However, some experts believe wearing high heels can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which may lead to problems such as incontinenceiLack of control over the excretory system resulting in involuntary urination or defecation .”

2. How much heel is safe during pregnancy?

A low heel, not more than three centimeters (one inch), is considered safe for pregnant women (9).

3. Can you wear heels when nine months pregnant?

It is not recommended to wear heels when nine months pregnant.

4. Are there any benefits to wearing heels during pregnancy?

There are no significant benefits to wearing heels during pregnancy. In fact, it is generally recommended that pregnant women avoid wearing high heels to reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.

5. Can wearing heels cause blood clots during pregnancy?

There is no evidence that wearing high heels during pregnancy can lead to blood clots.

6. Can wearing heels cause hip pain during pregnancy?

Wearing heels during pregnancy may cause hip pain, as it can shift the body’s center of gravity and put additional strain on the hips and lower back (9).

7. Can wearing heels cause knee pain during pregnancy?

Wearing heels during pregnancy may cause knee pain, as it can increase the pressure on the knees and exacerbate existing knee problems (9). A study found that walking in high heels may predispose the knee joint to degenerative changes by altering the forces acting on it (12).

8. Can wearing heels affect the growth and development of the baby during pregnancy?

There is no direct evidence that wearing heels can affect the growth and development of the baby. However, it can increase the risk of falling while pregnant, which can indirectly harm the baby.

Infographic: Effects Of Wearing Heels During Pregnancy And Tips To Wear Them Safely

High heels are a popular choice of footwear for many women, but they may not be a good choice for moms-to-be. Wearing heels repositions the body’s posture, which may cause several physical issues and discomfort. Read on to learn the potential problems of wearing high heels during pregnancy, with helpful tips to safely wear heels if necessary.

high heels in pregnancy effects and safety tips (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Serious Risks Of Wearing Heels During Pregnancy

Wearing Heels During Pregnancy_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Pregnancy stages and changes.
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/pregnancy-stages-and-changes
  2. Ouch! How heals can shrink leg muscle cause pain.
    https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2017-09-27-donor-gift-leads-to-innovative-cancer-clinical-trial/
  3. Aches and pains during pregnancy.
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000580.htm
  4. Kaname Takeda et al.; (2015); Changes in balance strategy in the third trimester.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4499990/
  5. Body changes and discomforts.
    https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/body-changes-and-discomforts
  6. Swollen ankles feet and fingers in pregnancy.
    https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/swollen-ankles-feet-and-fingers/
  7. Bulent Cakmak et al.; 2015; Postural balance and the risk of falling during pregnancy.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26212584/
  8. Neil A. Segal et al.; (2014); Pregnancy Leads to Lasting Changes in Foot Structure
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3596423/
  9. EL-Gharib, Mohamed & Albehoty, Sherin; (2018); High-heeled Shoes in Pregnancy.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324695214_High-heeled_Shoes_in_Pregnancy
  10. Back Pain During Pregnancy.
    https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/back-pain-during-pregnancy
  11. 5 ways to manage swollen legs and feet during pregnancy.
    https://utswmed.org/medblog/swollen-feet-during-pregnancy/
  12. Dr D Casey Kerrigan MD et al.; (1998); Knee osteoarthritis and high-heeled shoes.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673697112818

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Dr. Ng Kai Lyn
Dr. Ng Kai LynMMed (O&G), MRCOG
Dr. Ng Kai Lyn is a Singapore-based obstetrician and gynecologist, specializing in urogynecology, minimally invasive surgery, and clinical interest in fertility. She has an experience of 12 years managing and treating benign gynecological conditions, including uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometrial polyps, and endometriosis.

Read full bio of Dr. Ng Kai Lyn
  • Dr. Alan Lindemann
    Dr. Alan LindemannMD, MS Dr. Alan Lindemann is an obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, who worked as a clinical associate professor at the University of ND. An alumnus of the University of ND and the University of Minnesota, he is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association.
    Dr. Alan Lindemann is an obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, who worked as a clinical associate professor at the University of ND. An alumnus of the University of ND and the University of Minnesota, he is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association.
Anshuman Mohapatra
Anshuman MohapatraM.Tech (Biotechnology)
Anshuman Mohapatra is a biotechnology scientist with more than six years of research experience in analytical chemistry and biotechnology. He has submitted his PhD thesis at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) and served as a research fellow (JRF/SRF) during his PhD tenure.

Read full bio of Anshuman Mohapatra
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi
Aneesha Amonz
Aneesha AmonzMSc
Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz
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