Pictures of celebrity moms-to-be strutting down the street in 5-inch heels aren't hard to come by, including big names like Beyonce and Mariah Carey. Recently, photos of model Alessandra Ambrosio on the catwalk while five months pregnant have circulated around the web. The extra baby weight didn't stop this 30-year-old mom from wearing dangerously high heels as she worked the runway at Sao Paolo Fashion Week. But is it safe for expecting women to wear these sexy shoes?
Some experts think it's best to leave the high heels in the closet until you deliver, especially those stilettos that are over 3 inches tall. The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists advises moms-to-be to avoid high heels, flip flops, ballet flats and Uggs because they don't offer an adequate amount of support for their feet, which have a high risk of strains due to hormonal changes that soften ligaments.
"High heels alter your posture, shorten your calf muscles and place increased pressure on your back and knees," podiatrist Lorraine Jones told the BBC. "In pregnancy this places extra pressure on your joints when they are already under strain – which can result in a host of foot, leg and back problems."
If you do decide to wear heels, it's best to opt for lower options – ideally no more than 1 inch tall. Try not to stay on your feet for too long and save them for special occasions. Keep in mind that many celebrities wear those sky-high heels to maintain their public images, something that most moms thankfully don't have to stress over.