Pregnant Women Should Avoid High Heels

High heels, Uggs and flip flops should be avoided by moms-to-be as they may cause foot and back problems, according to a survey from the British Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Of 1000 pregnant women surveyed, seven in 10 who wore high heels reported foot problems including swollen ankles and heel pain. High heels "place extra pressure on your joints when they are already under strain, which can result in a host of foot, leg and back problems and could increase the likelihood of falls," said podiatrist Lorraine Jones. Sixty-six percent of the women surveyed said they regularly wore flip flops, 53% wore ballet pumps, 30% wore Uggs and 32% wore high heels. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends "comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption."