How Safe are High Heels When Pregnant?

Pregnant celebs do it, but should you follow the trend of rocking high heels during pregnancy? Wearing heels makes you feel sexy and desirable – which you might not always feel when you’re sporting a fast growing bump – but how safe are high heels while pregnant?

Some experts say sure, you could wear them, but you probably won’t feel very comfortable, especially in the second and third trimesters. Others, including your OB/GYN, may tell you that high heels are absolutely off-limits when pregnant.

Here’s why:

Wearing high heels, even the wider-based heels, puts you at higher risk of falling or tripping. You are clumsier in the second half of pregnancy, due to your growing body size, weight gain, and your center of gravity changing as your belly gets larger. All these physical and postural changes can increase your chance of having a fall. And falling during pregnancy can potentially harm your baby. So, if you want to play the safest route, you should probably avoid wearing your stilettos from about 20 weeks pregnant until after your baby is born.

Another reason you should stay away from high heels during pregnancy is because it can aggravate your back. If you’re already suffering from back pain while pregnant, wearing high heels can strain and hurt your back even further. During pregnancy, the ligaments in your lower back are softened, which makes them more prone to getting stretched and damaged. When you wear high heels, you alter your posture and strain these already weakened ligaments. This can cause uncomfortable and even painful lower back pain.

In the meanwhile, flat shoes are a safer, more comfortable alternative. If you love high heels, you could always wear them for part of the day and trade them for lower-heeled shoes later in the day.

Flats are definitely “in” right now, and you can find many trendy, adorable, and stylish flats that are comfortable and look super cute with any outfit that you want to wear. Plus, flats are affordable, so you can have an entire collection in different colors and patterns.

Lower heels or flat shoes are preferable to high heels when you’re pregnant. The choice is up to you. Your comfort and your baby’s safety should play a role in your decision.

About DP Nguyen

DP Nguyen is founder and editor of Hip Chick's Guide to PMS, Pregnancy and Babies. She’s an expert pregnancy and women’s health blogger, and she’s available for blog consultation, ghost writing, and general writing services. She is NOT a medical doctor and does NOT offer medical advice. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, DP spends her free time writing children’s novels and loving on her dog, Gracie Lu. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.