Pregnant Women Risk Foot Pain and More.

Pregnant women risk more than just foot pain when they put fashion before their feet by wearing the wrong types of shoe.

A poll, by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, of 1,000 pregnant women found that many were still wearing high heels, ballet pumps, flip flops and sheepskin boots.

Lorraine Jones from the society says that none of these shoes are suitable because of their lack of support. She adds; "Many of the pregnant celebrities you see wearing high heels in magazines are attending events so, like them, try to keep your high-heeled, high-fashion shoes for a special occasion and stick to a more supportive shoe on a daily basis."

The survey also suggested that half of the pregnant women surveyed were prepared to risk foot pain and other more serious conditions because they felt under pressure to fit in with the latest tends and emulate pregnant celebrities who still mange to look glamorous whilst pregnant.

Seven out of 10 women surveyed admitted to suffering from foot problems when pregnant, from general foot pain to arch and heel pain (16%) swollen ankles (37%) and swollen feet (45%).

The society is urging pregnant women to wear shoes that are both supportive and wider fitting to minimise immediate foot pain but also to avoid more serious long-term damage.

Lorraine Jones explains the affects of pregnancy on the body and the feet: "Muscles and ligaments soften and stretch because of an increase in the ovarian hormone relaxin, which makes your feet more prone to ankle and ligament strains on a daily basis.

Jones advises that pregnant women opt for heels that are 1.2in (3cm) and not totally flat. A small heel shifts weight slightly forward on to the feet, which can help in alleviating foot pain.

If pregnant women want to wear high heels, they should not be on their feet for too long and should be reserved for special occasions.